OVER the weekend, the National Basketball League (NBL)1 competition’s returned, with the organisation getting closer to having all divisions up and running. The East league held its third round for the 2022 season across the space of a couple of days, with a lot of basketball action for fans to enjoy. Across the men’s and women’s competition, there was a total of 14 games played over just two days in a jam-packed schedule.

One of the most entertaining of these games was the matchup between the Hills Hornets and the Albury Wodonga Bandits at Hills Basketball Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The two teams came into the game in contrasting form to start the season, with the Bandits in much better shape in the standings. Albury Wodonga was one of the more impressive teams in the opening rounds, but suffered a loss at the hands of the Crusaders earlier in the round. On the other hand, the Hornets had won just the one game from their first four outings, and were the underdogs in Sunday’s matchup. The game ended up going down to the final minutes, where the Bandits were able to hold on and claim a five-point triumph.

Hills Hornets (103) def. by Albury-Wodonga Bandits (108)

The Bandits could not have got off to a better start if they tried, with their offence firing in the opening term. Kieran Hayward was the biggest factor in the hot start with ball in hand, scoring 15 points in the first quarter and giving his side a 13-point advantage heading into the second. It was a much better showing from the home side in the second term, matching the offensive output of their opponents, but unfortunately unable to do any real damage to the margin. The Hornets ended up trailing by 11 points at the main break, with a lot of improvement needed in the second half.

The momentum of the home side rolled into the third quarter as they continued to dig themselves out of the hole they ended up in after the first quarter. There was plenty to like about their ball movement and work on the defensive end of the court. However, the Bandits were still able to rally at the end of the term and even extend the lead further as thee margin stood at 15 points at the final change. The Hornets were brave in the last 10 minutes of play, producing their best offensive period of the match, largely thanks to the efforts of Joe Patmore, who really got going inside. Time was the biggest factor in the comeback, and they fell five points short of pulling off a miracle.

There is no denying the win for the Bandits was set up by the magnificent performances of Hayward and Branden Jenkins, with the pair combining for 55 points and proving reliable avenues to scoring. The Hornets had their hands full in containing the duo, and the two were the most influential players on the court. Hills also had a couple of strong offensive showings, with Liam Moss and Paul Brotherson also pouring in a combined 48 points and keeping their side in the game.

Across the courts

There was plenty of action for NSW basketball fans to enjoy over the span of Saturday and Sunday across the Men’s and Women’s competition.

Men’s

Central Coast Crusaders (88) def. by Albury Wodonga Bandits (83)
Norths Bears (76) def. Maitland Mustangs (72)
Sutherland Sharks (72) def. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (66)
Hills Hornets (50) def. by Newcastle Falcons (82)
Illawarra Hawks (87) def. by Inner West Bulls (75)
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (73) def. by Inner West Bulls (74)

Women’s

Sutherland Sharks (79) def. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (69)
Norths Bears (98) def. Maitland Mustangs (63)
Hills Hornets (58) def. Newcastle Falcons (54)
Illawarra Hawks (84) def. Inner West Bulls (62)
Central Coast Crusaders (61) def. by Albury Wodonga Bandits (78)
Hills Hornets (53) def. by Albury Wodonga Bandits (90)
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (78) def. Inner West Bulls (35)