Wilcher a standout as Heat turn it on

TOWNSVILLE Heat have kept the blowtorch on Mackay in the race for top spot before the Queensland Basketball League playoffs after their ‘ big three’ spearheaded them to road wins over Gladstone and Rockhampton on the weekend.

In one of the toughest road trips of the season, the defending champions took care of 13th- placed Gladstone 107- 94 on Saturday night before over- running Rockhampton 107- 93 yesterday.

Heat point guard Josh Wilcher was outstanding, backing up a 33- point, 12- assist effort against Gladstone with a 34point 40- minute display against Rockhampton.

Townsville trailed Rockhampton by three points after three quarters, but pulled away with a 31- 14 final term.

Front court duo Justin Baker and Harry Froling also both delivered huge games in both matches to ensure the Heat stay level with Mackay on top of the table with a 13- 3 record.

With two regular season games left, Mackay have the advantage after winning both games against Townsville this year to claim the season split.

But Heat coach Rod Anderson is confident his team can retain the title if they have to do it the hard way.

“Although we haven’t beaten Mackay this year and showed they’re a great team, we’re confident we have the talent to get the job done,” Anderson said.

“We have to rely on them slipping up to get top spot, but it doesn’t really faze us.”

Anderson said he asked Wilcher if he was ready to back up after the Gladstone match, and was blown away by his ability to take over the Rockhampton game down the stretch.

The Townsville Flames remain top of the women’s competition after splitting their road trip.

Without Darcee Garbin, Alex Fowler and Stella Beck through representative duty, the Flames beat Gladstone 91- 84 thanks to big games from Miela Goodchild ( 34 points, 12 rebounds, four assists) and Micaela Cocks ( 20 points, ten rebounds, eight assists).

But they ran out of legs against Rockhampton yesterday, going down 86- 71.

“We’re proud of how we fought with several players out,” Flames coach Mike StMaurice said.