MOUNT GAMBIER Pioneers big man Akech Aliir nearly posted a 20-20 game to lead his side to a massive win over the Ringwood Hawks in the 14th and final round of the 2024 National Basketball League (NBL)1 South Men’s season.

The action for this year’s fixture wrapped over the weekend, and the Pioneers were certain to finish atop the standings after a dominant campaign, losing just five games for the season and locking in a home final.

Coming up against a Ringwood side that would not be appearing in the postseason with just six wins, the game offered the opportunity for the minor champions to get in one last win before their qualifying final this week.

The game went exactly as expected, with Mount Gambier proving a class above Ringwood in Friday night’s clash at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre. The Pioneers stormed out to a 16-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back from there, winning all four periods en route to a 42-point win at home.

Aliir was a dominant force during his side’s final victory of the regular season, and showed how dangerous he is on the eve of finals.

Mt. Gambier Pioneers (117) def. Ringwood Hawks (75)

Akech Aliir – 29 points, 19 rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block

Aliir posted a massive double-double and was the strongest player in the match, playing a big part in the result.

Aliir attacked the paint at will and was difficult for the opposition to contain when on the charge. The forward looked to engage with his opponent early, and use his strength to push the defender out of position and get as close to the basket as possible.

It also meant he drew plenty of contact, and he was still able to finish through fouls at times as well, which opened up the opportunity for and-one scoring chances.

In the end, he finished with a game-high 29 points on 11/16 shooting from the field and 4/6 shooting from behind the arc, getting off the hook offensively and making the most of the space given to him by the defence.

He was also a monster on the boards, getting first hands on the ball more than anyone and proving immovable at times when chasing the next possession. Most came on the defensive end, taking full advantage of the fact that the Hawks shot just 34 per cent from the field.

Aliir will be taking the best possible form into the postseason, showing his ability to tear a game apart with elite inside scoring and aggressive rebounding.