TYPICALLY in the National Basketball League (NBL)1 South Men’s competition, the action takes place over the weekend. However, a Tuesday night clash between the Waverley Falcons and Dandenong Rangers saw Dejan Vasiljevic produce a match-winning performance.

Round 5 of the 2024 season started earlier than usual, with the Falcons and the Rangers locking horns at Waverley Basketball Centre three days earlier than other states. It gave basketball fans the chance to break up the working week with a clash in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.

The Falcons stormed out of the gates with a 30-14 lead at quarter time, but Dandenong responded well to make it a two-point deficit at the main break. Waverley led by just one-point at the final change, and broke away to claim an eight-point win on its home court.

There was no one player more important to the Falcons’ win than Vasiljevic, living up to his status as one of the NBL1 South’s biggest names.

Waverley Falcons (90) def. Dandenong Rangers (82)

Dejan Vasiljevic – 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, four steals

It was a cracking showing from the star NBL guard, who was everywhere for Waverley and continuing his impactful start to the year.

With the license to be the number-one option on the offensive end, Vasiljevic was the leading scorer for the match with 21 points, and proving a handful for the opposition defence as he has done on several occasions in the 2024 season.

Given he is a high-volume shooter, there were certainly more efficient scorers for either side – with the guard shooting 7/18 from the field – but it is proven that if he keeps shooting he is bound to hurt the other team with his natural offensive ability.

The Falcons want the ball in his hands more often than not, it is handy that he pulled down 10 defensive rebounds to start the possession for his side, and finished with 11 boards for the match.

Vasiljevic delivered another excellent showing for Waverley in the NBL1 South, and is capable of producing match-winning showings at any level.