Swain proves the difference as Cairns’ road double goes south

A PRODUCT of Cairns Basketball’s development system brought about the end of the Dolphins’ unbeaten start to the NBL1 North season.

National junior team representative Shaneice Swain is suiting up for Mackay Meteorettes this season, and on Sunday she proved the difference as Cairns fell 91-90 at Mackay in overtime.

Swain put up a team-high 23 points with five rebounds and four assists to boot, but it was the 10 steals which attracted plenty of attention.

Her efforts went some way to curtailing Opals centre Cayla George’s 26-point, 17-rebound afternoon, which, on any other night, should result in victory. But on Sunday, it didn’t go to plan.

Cairns led by nine at quarter time then 12 at halftime, but Mackay chipped away at the advantage to trial by just five points at the last break.

George and WNBL championship winning teammate Penina Davidson (10 points) both fouled out, leaving the two most experienced players stuck on the bench as Swain’s last-minute free throw sent the game to overtime.

Monique Bobongie landed a lay-up in the last second to snatch victory for Mackay.

Alessandra Burke scored 17 points, while Teyahna Bond also scored 10 points.

It split the Dolphins’ road double, after they thumped Rockhampton 98-78.

Bond led with 24 points on 12-of-19 shooting from the field, Davidson put up 22, while Burke (13), Taylor Jones (12) and Amy Lewis (11) hit double figures. George grabbed 14 rebounds and 10 assists.

The Marlins endured a rough trip, losing both games in their double header.

Ben Ayre continued his hot early season form with 34 points at 52 per cent from the field, while Deba George dropped 25, which included five three-pointers.

The return of Wildcats forward Todd Blanchfield to Rockhampton proved crucial, the NBL gun hitting 30 points in the 97-83 win.

Kai Woodfall added 22 points for the Rockets.

Ayre (31pts) and George (21pts) led the scoring against NBL1 North champions Mackay but the Meteors prevailed 88-81.

Malok Majak put up 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Kyrin Galloway scored 18 points and had 15 rebounds.

Cairns will host South West Metro on Saturday. The Dolphins tip-off at 6pm, with the Marlins from 8pm.