Retro round will have the CoE host the Newcastle Falcons and Sydney Comets at the Australian Institute of Sport, across Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st of May.
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‘DICKO MODE’ ROCKS THE COMETS
CoE 76 – 62 Sydney (MEN)
The CoE men closed Heritage Round weekend with a hard-fought 76-62 victory over Sydney, led by a standout performance from captain Alexander Dickeson.
Dickeson produced one of his best performances of the NBL1 East season, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while knocking down five three-pointers and converting all 10 of his free throw attempts.
The CoE established control through their defensive pressure, limiting Sydney to just 32.4 per cent shooting from the field and 25.9 per cent from beyond the arc. Their interior presence was equally important, collecting seven blocks and holding Sydney to just 62 points for the contest.
While Dickeson provided the offensive spark, the CoE received valuable contributions throughout the lineup. Isaac Riddle added 10 points on efficient shooting, while Will Hamilton collected seven points and seven rebounds. Curtis Evic and Yahya Basaran combined for 14 rebounds and three blocks off the bench.
The result puts Robbie McKinlay's side on top of the standings with the FIBA break incoming. The CoE men are 12 – 1 after 13 played.
RAMPANT RUSSELL FIRMS COE WOMEN'S PLAYOFF ASPIRATIONS
CoE 80 – 60 Sydney (WOMEN)
The CoE women iced a successful weekend with an impressive 80-60 victory over Sydney at home with a combo of perimeter shooting and trademark defensive pressure.
Captain Zara Russell led the way with a game-high 26 points, six assists and five made three-pointers in one of her most complete performances of the season.
The CoE's ball movement was a feature throughout the contest, recording 24 assists on 31 made field goals while knocking down 13 triples at better than 37 per cent.
Defensively, the visitors continued to apply pressure across all four quarters, forcing 21 Sydney turnovers and collecting 13 steals. Olivia Olechnowicz, Lily Mapp, Aspen Crase and Eliza Shanahan all made important contributions on that end of the floor.
Jade Sherrington provided a spark off the bench with eight points and five assists, while Jasmine Jones added eight points.
The result continued the strong form of Melissa Downer's side, who controlled the game through efficient offence, unselfish ball movement and defensive activity.
The CoE women remain in the playoff picture at 9 – 4 with 13 games played.
THE MEN FROM THE 'TUTE KEEP ROLLING, DOMINATE FALCONS
CoE 87 – 58 Newcastle (MEN)
The CoE men delivered one of their most complete performances of the NBL1 East season, defeating the Newcastle Falcons 87-58 on Sunday afternoon.
Jai Fa’ale led the scoring with 24 points, while captain Alexander Dickeson continued his strong campaign with 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ajak Nyuon controlled the paint with a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds, while JK Mach added seven boards and four blocks in an imposing defensive display.
Defence set the tone from the outset as the CoE limited Newcastle to just 26.8 per cent shooting from the field and collected 12 blocks as a team. The CoE men dominated the glass, winning the rebounding battle 62-40 and securing 22 offensive rebounds to create a steady stream of second-chance opportunities.
While Fa’ale provided the offensive spark, balance was a feature, with multiple players contributing across the floor as the lead continued to grow throughout the contest.The Falcons struggled to generate efficient offence against the length and pressure of the CoE defence.
The result capped off a commanding performance from the CoE, who combined relentless defensive intensity with a significant rebounding advantage to secure the 29-point victory.
WINNING WAYS RETURN FOR DOWNER AND THE COE WOMEN
CoE 84 – 61 Newcastle (WOMEN)
The CoE women started Heritage Round at home with an emphatic 84-61 victory over the Newcastle Falcons.
Captain Zara Russell led the scoring with 19 points, while Isabel Smith produced an all-round performance with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Lily Mapp added a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with four blocks.
The visitors established control through their efficient offence and defensive pressure, shooting 48.6 per cent from the field while holding Newcastle to just 34.7 per cent shooting.
Ball movement was a feature of the performance, with the CoE recording 23 assists on 35 made field goals, while their ability to attack the paint resulted in a 48-30 advantage in points in the paint.
Defensively, the CoE disrupted Newcastle throughout the afternoon, finishing with 11 steals and eight blocks as five players scored eight or more points in the victory.
Newcastle's Meg Jefferson fought hard with a game-high 21 points, but the depth and balance of the CoE lineup proved too much as they closed out a convincing 23-point win.
| Centre of Excellence v Newcastle Falcons (W) | ||
| 30 May | Australian Institute of Sport | 4:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Newcastle Falcons (M) | ||
| 30 May | Australian Institute of Sport | 6:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Sydney Comets (W) | ||
| 31 May | Australian Institute of Sport | 12:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Sydney Comets (M) | ||
| 31 May | Australian Institute of Sport | 2:00 pm AEST |
View the NBL1 East ladder here.
View the remaining fixtures of the NBL1 East season here.
