IN the big games, it is the cream that rises to the top, and in the Gold Coast Rollers’ semi-final win over the South West Metro Pirates, it was Todd Blanchfield that was the difference.

The Rollers hosted the Pirates at Carrara Stadium on Friday night, with a place in the grand final on the line for two strong sides. Gold Coast is the favourite to win it all, having lost just two games over the course of the season, thanks to some strong coaching and a stacked roster. Conversely, the Pirates snuck into fourth spot with 11 wins and eight losses, and would need a big effort to take down the competition favourites in the penultimate matchup, especially at Gold Coast’s home court.

The Rollers’ flexed their muscles in the first quarter, storming out to a 27-19 lead at the opening change and setting the tone extremely early. Gold Coast’s offence could not be stopped, completely overwhelming the Pirates and storming out to a scoreboard advantage. Although South West Metro fought its way back into contention thanks to some solid offence, the Rollers were simply one step ahead, and proved a class above en route to a 13-point win and a spot in the big dance.

Blanchfield’s presence was an enormous factor for Gold Coast in a win that furthered its championship credentials.

Gold Coast Rollers (108) def. SW Metro Pirates (95)

Todd Blanchfield – 32 points, 16 rebounds, one assist, one steal

Blanchfield was a standout in a magnificent team performance, showing just how he has forged such a successful basketball career in Australia.

His 32 points was a game-high figure and came from a classic showing from the stretch four. He knocked down six three-pointers in a blistering shooting display, stretching the floor as much as possible and making himself a tough defensive assignment given his ability to score both inside and outside.

He shot 11/23 from the field, forming a damaging partnership with Jason Cadee (11 assists) to punish the defence from some sloppy coverage at times.

In typical fashion, Blanchfield was also the game’s premier rebounder, pulling down a whopping 16 boards and making the most of some disappointing shooting from the field from the opposition.

13 of his rebounds came on the defensive end, as the veteran big man crashed the glass expertly, and always seemed to have solid positioning under the hoop.

Blanchfield steered his side into the grand final, producing some huge numbers and showing just how important he is to the team’s championship aspirations.