Pioneers in mini-slump

Geelong United remained in the NBL1 South playoff hunt making it back-to-back wins beating the OneFortyOne Mount Gambier Pioneers 76-60 on the road on Friday night.

Playing at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, Geelong repeated the dose from earlier in the season when they were the first side to defeat the Pioneers.

Playing without Zitina Aokuso, who is currently with the Australian Opals in China, Geelong entered the clash for even more confidence and while it was a tight contest for much of the night, eventually pulled away to secure the 16 point, much needed victory.

Shaneice Swain continued her standout season for Geelong United with another 24 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots with Jada Rice contributing 17 points and eight boards.

The Pioneers record is now 9-4 after a difficult few weeks.

Sherrie Calleia (pictured below) led the way putting up 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Zoe Hurley had 11 points and five rebounds, Samantha Fatkin 10 points and five boards, and Isa Brancatisano eight points and eight rebounds.

It was double trouble at Wulanda with the Castec Rural Supplies Mount Gambier Pioneers men also suffering a loss going down by seven points.

Looking to bounce back from its Eltham Wildcats loss and back on home pine, it soon became clear it was going to be an arm wrestle – Geelong also looking to snap a losing streak.

The Pioneers battled their way to a five point half time lead and extended that early in the third but Geelong responded to take a three point advantage into the last. The script continued as neither side could get a run on or gain any kind of momentum and in the end the visitors secured the seven point win.

George Blagojevic was the star of the evening for Geelong with 24 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals on shooting 9/13 from the field and 3/4 from behind the three-point arc.

The Pioneers men now share the same win-loss record as the women and it was Nick Marshall (pictured right)again leading the way, amassing 30 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

Akech Aliir also had 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists, Dylan Marshall 11 points and three boards, and Kane de Wit seven points, six assists, three steals and two rebounds.

The Pioneers will be looking to get back on track when they hit the road this weekend to take on Keilor Thunder.

RESULTS:

Geelong United 76 (Swain 24, Rice 17, Petree 17) ) d Mount Gambier Pioneers 60 (Calleia 23, Hurley 11, Fatkin 10)

Geelong United 84 (Blagojevic 24, Jones 18, Gatlin 17) d Mount Gambier Pioneers 77 (N Marshall 30, Aliir 12, D Marshall 11)