The Centre of Excellence (CoE) basketball programs are primed for a huge semi-final weekend in the NBL1 East, with both the men’s and women’s teams vying for a place in the preliminary final.
CoE | MEN
3:00pm AEST | Saturday, August 2nd | VS North Bears
Broadcast: Kayo Freebies
The CoE men are out to bounce after a tough 72-88 loss to the third-placed Canberra Gunners in last week’s qualifying final. Despite the setback, their strong regular season record finishing in second place (15-5) secured them a double chance, which has the CoE placed in a must-win clash against sixth placed North Bears to progress through to the preliminary final.
In the qualifying final matchup against the Gunners, the CoE couldn’t find a way to slow the momentum down despite Alexander Dickeson leading the way for the team on both ends of the court with 20 points, seven assists and two steals. They’ll be looking to reset quickly and bring the same intensity that carried them to second on the ladder.
LEADERS
Points (PPG): Jacob Furphy - 17.00 (* graduated)
Assists (APG): Che Brogan - 4.17
Rebounds (RPG): Marcus Vaughns - 5.67
Blocks (BPG): Ladji Coulibaly - 1.83
Three Points (3PM): Rio Bruton - 2.50
Steals (SPG): Alexander Dickeson - 2.58
CoE | WOMEN
6:00pm AEST | Saturday, August 2nd | VS Albury Wodonga Bandits
Broadcast: NBL+
The Coe women head into the semi-finals full of confidence after a dominant 74-44 elimination final win over the Canberra Nationals. Finishing fifth on the ladder with a 12-8 record, they’ll now face fourth placed Albury Wodonga Bandits for a spot in the next round.
It was a comprehensive team performance in the elimination final, with four players scoring in double digits. Isabel Smith led the way offensively with 18 points in a commanding 30-point win that showcased the CoE’s depth and intensity on both ends of the floor.
Leaders
Points (PPG): Sitaya Fagan - 22.88
Assists (APG): Emilija Dakic - 4.89 (* graduated)
Rebounds (RPG): Sitaya Fagan - 10.71
Blocks (BPG): Sitaya Fagan - 1.76 (* graduated)
Three Points (3PM): Zara Russell - 2.68
Steals (SPG): Emilija Dakic - 2.53 (* graduated)
Click here for more information on the CoE teams on NBL1, including team stats, rosters and more.
