by Jonathon Lacey
The 2023 Coles Express NBL-1 North campaign continued for Rockhampton’s CQUniversity Cyclones and Schwartz Excavations Rockets as Round 9 was held at home at Bravus Arena on Sunday, 28 May. Both teams were looking to build some momentum following dominant home wins the previous week in Round 8, however they would need to go through the competitive visiting Cairns Dolphins and Marlins squads. The Round 9 matchup featured two of the closest games this season for both squads however it was the Dolphins securing the win against the Cyclones with a final score of 83-80 while the Marlins finished the weekend strong for Cairns as they beat the Rockets 82-79.
The Cyclones appeared to be in control from the start as they raced away with an early lead on the back of an 11-0 run, eventually building a 26-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Cyclones maintained their strong form as the lead extended to as much as 19 points and an eventual half-time lead of 45-28 over the visitors.
The Dolphins first-half woes could have been attributed to their tough weekend road-trip having only faced the Mackay Meteorettes the previous night, however their half-time adjustments appeared to spark their offense as they outscored the Cyclones 28-21 to pull themselves back within 10 points at the end of the third quarter. A series of quick shots from the Dolphins would bring them within one point and a score of 69-68 in favour of the Cyclones with seven minutes remaining. Both teams would go back and forth down the stretch, with the Cyclones Lara McSpadden making a huge play to score a tip-in layup off an offensive rebound to give the Cyclones the 80-78 lead with just 48 seconds remaining. The Cyclones looked in control and poised to close the game, but it was the Dolphins Teyahna Bond who would drain a clutch three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining to give the Dolphins the 81-80 lead with ten seconds remaining. The Cyclones had a chance to answer but a missed shot for the Cyclones and free-throws for the Dolphins secured Cairns the win with a final score of 83-80.
The Cyclones Samantha Bowman had a huge outing for the home squad as she scored 31 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block while Lara McSpadden managed 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Dolphins Taylor Mole had the stat-line of the night on her way to 36 points, six rebounds and three blocks while shooting 8/12 from three-point range. The Dolphins Jennifer Coleman had a well-rounded game with 16 points, five rebounds and nine assists while Myra Donkin contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
As the Rockets and Marlins faced off, both teams appeared to struggle offensively to start the game with a first quarter score of just 14-12 in favour of the Rockets. Both sides appeared to shake off some early game rust as they both heated up in the second quarter, however the Rockets would hold the 38-34 lead at half-time.
The Dolphins started the second half strong by fighting back against the Rockets, drawing the score level at 40-40 within the first minute of the third quarter. The tight contest between the two teams continued until the Dolphins eventually built the largest lead of the game with an eight-point lead and just seven minutes remaining. The Rockets challenged hard as they drew the score level at 76-76 in the final two minutes however the Marlins would respond with free-throws and a solid layup following a Rockets shot-clock violation. Rockhampton local Hayden Richardson gave the Rockets hope as he hit a three-pointer to bring the Rockets within one point with 16 seconds remaining but more free-throws to the Dolphins would secure them the 82-79 win.
Cheir Maker had a strong outing with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Angus McWilliam managed 15 points and 14 rebounds, Malcolm Bernard was solid with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists while Jarvis Summers had 15 points and eight rebounds. The Dolphins Lachlan Anderson was the star of the game on his way to 33 points, six rebounds and four assists, Tad Dufelmeier had 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Ky Stattmann had 13 points and eight rebounds.
Despite the loss, the Cyclones are still sitting in a strong fourth position on the competition ladder with a season record of 6-3, while the Rockets remain in last position with a 1-8 record. The Cyclones and Rockets will remain at home in Round 10 of the competition as they are set to host the Logan Thunder on Friday, 2 June.