A BIG double-double from Keli Leaupepe has helped the Knox Raiders to a 17-point win over the Sandringham Sabres to close out Round 3 of the NBL1 South on Thursday night.

The two sides locked horns in a Good Friday eve clash at Southern Basketball Centre, with both sides enjoying contrasting seasons. The Raiders came into the clash undefeated from three games, while the Sabres were still looking for their first win, and faced the prospect of a 0-5 start to the season, so a win was critical for their campaign.

It was a solid start for Sandringham, with the home side leading by three points at quarter time in one of its more promising openings to a game. The Raiders returned serve in the second period to tie up proceedings at the main break before blowing the match open in the second half. Knox outscored the opposition by 12 points in the third quarter, and sealed the match with a solid final term to emerge winners and remain unbeaten.

Leaupepe was the star of the show for the Raiders, making an impact from long range to lead all comers on the scoring front and continue his team’s red hot start to the fixture.

Sandringham Sabres (77) def. by Knox Raiders (94)

Keli Leaupepe – 26 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal

The Sydney Kings forward was at his best in the win over the Sabres, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and how balanced his game is for a player in the frontcourt.

Much of Leaupepe’s performance was built on his three-point shooting, although it has not been a prevalent part of his game previously. One of the strongest players in the country, the forward normally thrives using his physicality in the paint, and although he did use this on a couple of occasions throughout the match, it was his perimeter presence that proved vital.

The 24-year-old nailed six triples on 10 attempts from the field, with most coming off the catch as he popped out to the perimeter to catch the defence sleeping. He looked extremely comfortable shooting the ball and the defence could not slow him down.

His performance was balanced over the course of the match, keeping the Raiders in the contest with a pair of triples in the first frame, while his shooting was integral in getting Knox out to a match winning lead in the third period.

As expected, Leaupepe was a standout on the glass too, using his big frame to bully the opposition out from under the basket and getting first hands on the ball. He looks at his best when he is throwing his weight around, and although he did not need to on the offensive end, it was still one of his biggest strengths on the glass.

Leaupepe has been a big reason why the Raiders have started the season 4-0, and delivered another exceptional performance against the Sabres, showing just how dangerous this Knox team is when he is firing.