Phoenix Point Guards Shine on Return

After a few weeks on the sidelines, Owen Foxwell made a stunning return to NBL1 South for Eltham on the weekend, while Ben Ayre dominated for Sandringham in his return after playing in France last week.

Foxwell sat out the past two weeks for the Wildcats with a minor ankle complaint but showed no signs of the injury on the weekend, producing a 24-point performance as Eltham looked to regain some momentum after losing their last four games.

In a tight contest against the Kilsyth Cobras, the Wildcats entered the fourth quarter with a two-point deficit. They turned up the heat in the last and outscored the Cobras 27-15 in the final quarter to win by 10 points at the final buzzer.

The win saw Eltham jump from 8th to 5th in the standings, keeping their finals chances alive with one round to go.

Ben Ayre was also a stand-out in his return with the Sandringham Sabres this weekend after missing the last round while he travelled to France to represent Australia in the Quasi 45 competition.

Ayre dropped a game-high 25 points in the Sabres’ massive 40-point win over the Bendigo Braves. After two losses in the previous round, the win helped Ayre’s side cement their position in the top four.

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Semi-Final Challenge for Mets

Mitch Creek’s Mets de Guaynabo started their semi-final campaign against the Gigantes de Carolina last week, with The Mets currently leading the seven-game series 2-1.

In game 1 last Tuesday, Creek helped his side to a 28-point win with 11 points, but Gigantes de Carolina responded in game 2 on Friday with a six-point win. Even in the loss, Creek was a key contributor to his side with 16 points and three steals.

The Mets took the lead in the series in game 3 with a five-point win on Sunday. Creek again was one of the leading performers for his side with 14 points and eight rebounds.

Creek and the Mets will look to go 3-1 in the series when they return to the court tomorrow for game 4.

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(Creek's Mets will be hoping to be a game up when they meet Gigantes de Carolina in game 4 tomorrow.)

You can watch ALL Mets games via their YouTube channel.

Development Players Step-Up

Austin Rapp’s Knox Raiders continue to dominate in NBL1 South, winning both their games on the weekend.

Coming off the bench, Rapp provided some big defensive moments with six points, six rebounds, one steal, and two blocks in the Raiders’ 29-point win over the Diamond Valley Eagles on Friday night.

In Sunday’s game against the Dandenong Rangers, Rapp made an immediate impact when he hit the court, producing 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the 25-point victory.

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(Rapp continues to build on his game in the NBL1 with Knox Raiders.)

Across the ditch in the NZ NBL, Anzac Rissetto and his side the Taranaki Airs performed gallantly against the third-placed Franklin Bulls.

The Airs were down for most of the game with the margin blowing out to 17-points at one stage. But a courageous last term fightback saw the Airs go down by just six points. Rissetto continued his growth and was pivotal in the paint with 14 points.

359444445 601503311972720 1599414422099290798 N (Rissetto's Airs had a gallant performance on the weekend against the Franlin Bulls. Photo: Hatton Photography.)

Final Term Fightback

Gorjok Gak’s side the Willetton Tigers also stormed home in the last quarter on Saturday in the NBL1 West.

The Cockburn Cougars took it up to the Tigers throughout the game and led by two points going into the final term. But Gak’s side fought back, shooting 34-26 in the last, returning to the winner’s list with a six-point victory.

Gak was huge defensively for his team, as he recorded five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, along with his 10 points for the game.

Shock Loss for Auckland

Reuben Te Rangi and Auckland Tuatara had their first loss in 10 games to the Hawkes’ Bay Hawks on Sunday by 12 points.

Despite the loss, Te Rangi still contributed well with a team-high 18 points.

Auckland are still two points clear on top of the ladder and will look to cement the top position with one round remaining before finals begin in New Zealand.