AN ACCURATE scoring performance from one of Nunawading’s starters saw the Spectres claim an eight-point triumph over the Knox Raiders in the NBL1 South Men’s.

After a weekend off for the Easter break, the competition returned for Round 2, with the action kicking off on Thursday night. The Raiders hosted the Spectres at State Basketball Centre to help kick off proceedings, and it was Knox who had the stronger record. It had defeated the Thunder in Round 1, while Nunawading had fallen to the Pioneers in a high-scoring clash.

Despite the varying results in the opening week, it was the Spectres that emerged winners on the road to get their season back on track. Nunawading’s win was sparked by a magnificent opening term, where it outscored the opposition 28-16 to jump out to an early lead. Knox fought back in the second, but history repeated itself in the third, stretching the Spectres’ lead out further, with the final score reading 84-76.

Standing out above all of the individual performances in this match was the outing of William Carius, who delivered a magnificent scoring performance to get his side on the board for the 2023 season.

Knox Raidders (76) def. by Nunawading Spectres (84)

William Carius – 30 points, eight rebounds, one block

Carius made the most of his 30 minutes of court time with a blistering offensive performance to play a vital role in his side’s win. No player registered more than his 30 points, proving the match’s central scoring figure in a game that had plenty of offensive capability across the two rosters.

Carius did it on an impressive level of efficiency, nailing 11 shots on just 15 attempts to finish the match shooting an eye-catching 73 per cent from the field.

He was a constant three-point threat, doing most of his damage in catch and shoot situations, where he allowed his smooth shooting action to steer the ball to the bottom of the net. Carius nailed a remarkable seven three-pointers on just 11 shots, constantly tormenting the defence with his ability to nail a shot regardless of the coverage.

He did not miss a shot from inside the arc either, delivering one of the most accurate offensive performance we have seen so far this season. He was an excellent contributor for the Spectres in their first win of the season, and should have a big role on the offensive end in the coming weeks.