Captain Zara Russell drives a dominant 94 - 53 performance for the CoE Women over the Crusaders and the men hold firm and defend home court against a spirited Central Coast team.
COE 96 – 74 CCC (M)
The CoE showed fortitude against a spirited Central Coast team to power away for a 96 – 74 win.
It was fundamental, driving basketball that helped the CoE rip past the Crusaders. Jai Fa’ale continues to be a primary option for buckets with 20 points. Ajak Nyuon scored 13, Luke Paul and Alex Dickeson with 11 points.
Central Coast burst out of the blocks to lead 33 – 27 after quarter one. The visitors struck easy points on the break with CoE caught careless with a few turnovers leading directly to points.
A shift away from the three ball and driving basketball put the game back in favour. Ajak Nyuon was solid in the first half and a key part of the turning tide. Nyuon scored 13 points with six rebounds.
As the game progressed the CoE found their stride. A dominant 23 – 8 final quarter was an exclamation mark in a confident response from the young ‘Tuters.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles come to town tomorrow for the second stanza of NBL1 East Round Six.
COE 94 - 53 CCC (W)
Zara Russell captained the CoE Women in a convincing 94 - 53 win over Central Coast at the AIS on Saturday to take the team to 6 – 1.
Russell has been impeccable so far in NBL1 East season 2026 and the Crusaders had few answers as the Cal commit dropped 18 points with nine assists and four rebounds.
The CoE women continue to establish a share of contribution however. Which is important with the impending departure of graduating players, including Russell in the coming weeks.
Olivia Olechnowicz continues to impress as a driving guard and has found a solid blend of scoring, facilitating and pressing the opposition. Olechnowicz had 17 points, four assists and five steals.
We got another look at the scoring potential of Jay Sebasio who finished with 18 points, Reece Anticevic had 15 points and Issy Smith 11.
The CoE women will welcome Manly Warringah tomorrow in a Round Six home stand at the AIS.
NBL1 EAST - ROUND SIX
Both the women's and men's NBL1 East campaigns are heating up, with both programs sitting inside the top five on the NBL1 East ladder heading into round six.
The AIS hosts big weekend of basketball as the CoE face the Central Coast Crusaders on Saturday before taking on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Sunday.
The CoE women enter the weekend on a three-game winning streak, with a top-four clash against Manly Warringah looming on Sunday afternoon.
Similarly, in the men's competition, the CoE will challenge third-placed Manly Warringah, with the duel set to shape the top four positioning.
| Centre of Excellence v Central Coast Crusaders (W) | ||
| May 9 | Australian Institute Sport | 4:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Central Coast Crusaders (M) | ||
| May 9 | Australian Institute Sport | 6:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (W) | ||
| May 10 | Australian Institute Sport | 12:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (M) | ||
| May 10 | Australian Institute Sport | 2:00 pm AEST |
View the NBL1 East ladder here.
View the remaining fixtures of the NBL1 East season here.
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