Rollers put out a finals marker
THE Gold Coast Rollers women are one step closer to a home final after defeating the Toowoomba Mountaineers 102-78 on Saturday night at Carrara Indoor Stadium.
The Rollers led by four points at quarter time, which jumped out to 12 at the main break, 15 at three-quarter time before adding 25 points in the last to win by 24.
The win sees the Rollers retain fifth spot on the QBL ladder at the conclusion of Round 14 action, meaning they will have to win their last game and hope Townsville (fourth) lose to Rockhampton to jump into the top four.
Irrespective of results, the Rollers will be confident they can take it up to any of their fellow playoffs aspirants after an impressive team performance.
“I think we did really well offensively and defensively,” said Carleigh Patrick. “We made a lot of passes and had a lot of ball movement.”
Teammate Shanelle Tolley agreed that the Rollers put the last-placed Mountaineers to the sword.
“It was such a great team game,” she said. “Everyone who got on the court did their job and even more. We all connected as a team so we’re ready to go for quarterfinals.”
The Rollers men were equally imposing against Toowoomba, running out 110-73 winners as they gear up for a playoffs assault.
Evergreen veteran Thalo Green shot at an incredible 78 per cent to finish with 25 points, while Rhys Martin added 20 points of his own.
In the weekend’s other QBL action, it was a sorrowful Saturday for the North Gold Coast Seahawks with the club dropping both games against the Southern District Spartans.
It was always going to be a tough ask for the Lady Hawks, coming up against the QBL women’s ladder leaders, though the Seahawks were far from disgraced, going down 63-88.
US import Deja Middleton top scored with 25 points for the visitors, also finishing the game with 12 rebounds.
In the men’s clash, the Seahawks have officially thrown away their slight finals chance after falling to the Spartans 80-100.
Cameron Goldfinch continued his impressive shooting form, finishing with 18 points, while captain Rob Linton had an impact on return with 14 points.
DOUBLE DRIBBLE: Friday