THOUGH it might have been a top-against-bottom clash, the NBL1 South Women’s contest between Knox Raiders and Nunawading Spectres was anything but after quarter time. The gap was significant in the opening term as the Raiders poured on 31 points to 13 to blow the lead out to 18 after just 10 minutes on court at Nunawading Basketball Stadium, but just eight points separated them in the last 30 minutes for a 98-72 result.

Nunawading Spectres (72) lost to Knox Raiders (98)

The Raiders had won 16 of their first 18 games coming into the match, sitting one win ahead of Keilor Thunder, but with the Thunder also having a game in-hand. Nunawading on the other hand were anchored to the bottom of the ladder, having saluted just three times from 18 matches, and needed a win to draw level with three other sides.

It was evident from the first term though that Knox was not going to show any mercy, piling on 31 points to 13 in a one-sided quarter. The chief destroyer was Alicia Froling who put up 12 points, two assists, two rebounds and a steal in the start of what would become an ominous performance for the Raiders star.

Unfortunately for the Spectres, that dominant first 10 minutes was too much to overcome, despite keeping touch with the Raiders throughout the rest of the match. Knox won all four quarters, but the last three came with a 24-20, 22-21 and 21-18 advantage rather than the comprehensive opening term.

Froling would put up 25 points in 30 minutes, and come close to a double-double as she pulled down eight rebounds, and had two assists, two steals and two blocks. She was well supported by Paige Bradley (17 points, eight assists, six rebound and three steals) who played an important role, including draining three of six from long-range. Emma Pearce (15 points, eight rebounds) also proved important in the win, picking up a game-high amount of rebounds.

For the Spectres, Batabe Zempare was important for Nunawading, totalling 19 points and pulling down six rebounds. Bride Kennedy-Hopoate (11 points, six rebounds and three assists) was important in sharing the load off the boards, while Rachel Antoniadou dished out eight assists to go with eight points in defeat.

AROUND THE COURTS

In the other two Sunday NBL1 South Women’s matches, ninth placed Ballarat Miners won a vital match against 10th placed Frankston, getting up, 86-77. The Miners moved two wins clear of the Blues following the nine-point victory, while in the other game, Dandenong Rangers made light work of Mount Gambier Pioneers, 88-52.

Keilor stumbled the chance at consolidating top spot over Knox the day before with a heavy 27-point defeat to the Rangers, while Hobart Chargers secured a much-needed victory over Diamond Valley Eagles, 76-64. In other results, Frankston defeated Casey Cavaliers on the road, Kilsyth rolled Launceston Tornadoes, the Miners got the better of Melbourne Tigers and Eltham Wildcards rolled past Bendigo Braves.

Last Friday night to open Eltham locked away an important 10-point win over Sandringham Sabres, with Hobart the other double-up winner for Round 12. However, Diamond Valley and Bendigo also picked up victories, defeating Launceston Tornadoes and Melbourne Tigers respectively.