Neers launch last shot at finals spot
BASKETBALL: With one round of the QSL remaining, the Toowoomba Mountaineers women have given themselves a fighting shot of making the finals.
Needing to down the Brisbane Capitals on the road, the Mountaineers duly obliged with a 80-52 hammering.
Things were kept tight in the first half with the visitors holding a slender one-point lead at the half.
They then exploded in the second half, outscoring the Capitals 26-7 to put the result beyond any doubt.
“It was a good win from the girls. There was a bit of a battle in the first half, but the way we came out after half time, our defence completely smothered them,” coach Matt Cox said.
“We were able to run out in transition and get easy shots. We have to continue to win by as much as we can for the rest of the season, and we did that on the weekend.”
Mia Stower continued her incredible form with a 17point, 21-rebound effort, as she continues to lead the league in both defensive and offensive boards.
With a double header coming up this weekend, the Mountaineers currently sit in seventh position, needing to win both games and rely on other results to go their way in order to qualify for the finals.
“The additions of Mia Stower, Francis Donders and Tracey Twidale have brought some maturity and stability to our team,” Cox said.
“When we’ve been able to roll out our full team, we’re really good.
“We have the Gold Coast and Spartans who are also in the playoff race. We’ve got to win to keep our season alive, but to also take them out of the contest as well.”
The Mountaineers men already have a home semi-final sewn up, and they can push on for top spot after a 92-84 win over the Capitals.
Toowoomba only trailed for 32 seconds of the contest as they took full control of the match from an early stage.
Adam Gehrig went off in a 27-point showing, while forward Seth Ham turned in his best game of the season, piling on 20 points and eight rebounds.
It gives the team eight wins in a row in the run to the finals, and forward Patrick Roche said they could go on with the job.
“It’s a great feeling and absolutely amazing to be a part of,” he said.
“Hopefully all goes well and we can keep winning.”
The side will be without veteran influence Cam Weber for the rest of the year, but Roche is confident a next man up mentality will keep them in the race for a title.
“It’s sad to lose Cam, but we have guys stepping up,” he said.
“We have Adam Gehrig and Jason Ebneter taking more control of the team, and there’s a next man up kind of feeling.”