A TREMENDOUS all-around showing from William Mayfield has sparked the Canberra Gunners to a big 30-point win over the Sutherland Sharks in the National Basketball League (NBL)1 East Men’s over the weekend.

With just a handful of rounds remaining in the 2024 season, the matchups are holding plenty of significance in the race for the finals. With the Gunners playing host to the Sharks at Belconnen Basketball Stadium, the match could prove vital in the final standings come fixture’s end.

The Gunners shot out to a commanding 11-point lead by quarter time, taking control of the match with an excellent offensive showing. That period ended up setting the tone for the remainder of the contest, with the home side never surrendering the lead en route to a 118-88 triumph.

Mayfield was absolutely everywhere for the Gunners, stuffing several stat columns and playing a vital role in the result of the match.

Canberra Gunners (118) def. Sutherland Sharks (88)

William Mayfield – 26 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals

Mayfield delivered a masterclass in Canberra’s emphatic win, doing a bit of everything as his side proved far too much for the Sharks.

He was the second most productive player on the scoring front, trailing only Glen Morrison, who had 32 points of his own as the pair combined to make life extremely difficult for the opposition defence.

From the field, Mayfield shot 9/20, doing most of his work inside the arc although he still managed to splash home a pair of three-pointers. He was also able to generate some points from the charity stripe, but did leave some there as well by making just six of his 10 attempts.

The Sharks were not always the most effective team when shooting the basketball, and Mayfield reaped the rewards of that with 10 rebounds for the match. He split his efforts on the glass across both ends of the floor (four offensive, six defensive) and was a constant arial threat.

Mayfield thrived as a playmaker as well, posting 10 assists for the match in an excellent display of passing. He combined well with Morrison as the pair poked holes in Sutherland’s defensive structure to generate easy baskets.

The Gunners were greatly boosted by the performance of Mayfield, who did whatever it took to give his side an advantage.