NO stranger to some ridiculous statlines, Logan Thunder shooter Mikaela Ruef had a weekend to remember. The dominant player produced back-to-back monster games, the second of which went beyond the realms of realism. Ruef started her weekend with an impressive 23-point, 23-rebound effort during Logan’s 14-point victory over Ipswich Force to kick-off Round 12 of the National Basketball League (NBL)1 competition. But her best was yet to come, when she completely destroyed North Gold Coast Seahawks, almost outscoring her opposition during the 96-61 victory at Runaway Bay Stadium.

MIKAYLA RUEF (LOGAN THUNDER)

Round 12 vs. North Gold Coast Seahawks

Points: 50
FG%: 48.4%
2P%: 53.9%
3P%: 28.6%
FT%: 80%

Rebounds: 25
Offensive: 11
Defensive: 14

Assists: 6
Steals: 4

SHOT CHART

In what was simply an unmissable shooting display, Ruef managed double-digit points in each quarter, with no less than 11 points in a term, and the Thunder shooter actually lead the entire opposition for most of the game in a truly outstanding performance. She started off with a stat line that more players would be happy with in an entire game, dropping 15 points and seven rebounds on the Seahawks. By comparison, the Seahawks had 12 points.

Ruef was better contained – by comparison in the second and third terms, but still managed to put up 23 points and 10 rebounds in effectively a half of action. After being on track for 60 and 28 at quarter time, Ruef picked up 12 and five in the second term and 11 and five in the third quarter. By the main break, the shooter lead the Seahawks 27-22, and it was not until the third term when the home team eventually overtook Ruef.

At the final break, Ruef had already racked up 38 points and 17 rebounds to her name, and the opposition tried anything to stop her influence. They regularly fouled her both in the paint and from the jumpsuit, forcing her to the line where she was solid overall. Despite being forced to the line, Ruef still managed to put up 12 points, hitting her 50-point milestone, whilst also recording a massive eight rebounds in the quarter – four up each end – to make it 25 rebounds. Couple that with her six assists and four steals, and Ruef had herself a night out.

The 31-year-old centre is averaging 23.8 points, 20.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the 2022 NBL1 North season, having notched up 20-plus rebounds in there past three games. Back on July 10, Ruef also clocked up a triple-double, with her pass-first mentality leading her to dish off 10 assists to accompany her 15 points and 25 rebounds. It is no surprise that Logan Thunder are undefeated at the top of the table, with finals fast approaching. They have two games in hand compared to their nearest rivals the Southern District Spartans, and will be hoping to finish the season strong.