Pioneers Men snap losing streak

It was a tight contest but the OneFortyOne Mount Gambier Pioneers women just could not find their way back onto the winners’ list, going down to Keilor Thunder 78-73 on the road.

On the road, the Pioneers, who welcomed back Zitina Aokuso from national duties, got off to the start they would have hoped for, working their way to an early seven point lead and holding on to lead by three at the first break.

It was the home team getting the better of the second and the Thunder were nine points clear at the main break.

That lead blew out to as many as 15 points in the third and while the Pioneers fought back late, they just couldn’t bridge the gap.

The Thunder then pulled further away in the second period with 19 points to 13 to go into the half-time break leading 41-32.

Given the Thunder now sit 14-2, it certainly shows the Pioneers are well on track to be there when the whips are cracking in the play offs, if they can just start turning these narrow losses into wins.

They currently sit at 9-5 on the back of their fourth consecutive loss.

Aokuso return saw her produce 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists on 9/13 shooting, while Isa Brancatisano also had 19 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists, Sherrie Calleia 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds, and Haliegh Reinoehl 12 points and nine boards.

It was better news for the Castec Rural Supplies Mount Gambier Pioneers men, who secured a 16 point road victory, breaking a two game losing streak.

It was on the back of a strong start which saw them nine points clear at the first break and during the second got out to as much as an 18 point lead before heading into the half time break 12 points to the good and then running out the game to be 16 point victors.

Nick Marshall top scored with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Titus Robinson added 16 points, five rebounds and two blocks on 8/9 shooting with Akech Aliir putting up 13 points and eight boards, Christian Peevy 11 points and four rebounds, and Austin Shelley 11 points and three boards.

The teams are back on the road this weekend with trips to Kilsyth and Diamond Valley.

RESULTS

Keilor Thunder 78 (Davidson 22, Rocci 21, Bourne 15) d Mount Gambier Pioneers 73 (Aokuso 20, Brancatisano 19, Calleia 14)

Mount Gambier Pioneers 80 (N Marshall 18, Robinson 16, Aliir 13) d Keilor Thunder 64 (Zunic 18, Lakes 17, Madut 10)