The CoE find themselves in a race against time to solidify their standing in the NBL1 East finals battle.
Due to the upcoming FIBA U17 World Cup taking place across June and July in Türkiye and Czechia, the CoE have been forced to rapidly push through their NBL1 East fixtures.
Having comfortably played the most games to this point of the season, the CoE will suit up for the final time of the regular season this weekend.
Both CoE programs find themselves in identical situations, sitting fourth on the NBL1 East Ladder with 13-5 records.
Sutherland Sharks 67-68 CoE (W)
The CoE women got out of the blocks strong, with Isabel Smith leading the charge early with eight points in the opening term as the team stretched the lead to double digits.
Sutherland kept the door ajar throughout the second term, tieing it up mid way through the second quarter with the CoE holding a narrow three-point lead into the half.
The CoE stuck to their guns in the second half, shooting a high volume of three pointers whilst strong defensive efforts turned to fast break points to gain advantage of the game. Heading into the fourth the CoE battled for a seven point lead.
Sutherland battled hard to force a back and forth finish to the game. However, the class of Isabel Smith with 20 points and Lily Mapp's nine rebounds allowed the CoE to find the victory, overcoming Sutherland 67-68.
Sutherland Sharks 115-88 CoE (M)
An undermanned CoE squad with only six players for the Saturday night clash against Sutherland fought hard despite the limited roations. Sutherland held an eight-point lead at quarter time, with the CoE showing signs of promise closing out the quarter.
Through the second quarter the CoE dug deep, keeping the score within touching distance as Jai Fa'ale set the spark by knocking down numerous jumpshots and finding open teammates. Full of confidence the CoE cut the lead to four at the half (51-47), with the momentum turning rapidly.
The second half produced an arm wrestle early in the third but Sutherland found their feet, pushing the lead to over double-digits and capatlising on the CoE's tired legs to win 115 - 88.
Plenty of positive's for the CoE with all six players contributing across the board. Fa'ale ended the game with 34 points, whilst Evic (19 PTS), Riddle (15 PTS) and Ritchie (11 PTS) also ended with double-digits. Jongkuch Mach was a problem in the paint, with four blocks and nine rebounds.
In the NBL1 East the top six teams qualify for the finals series, with the CoE men currently five games clear of seventh placed Central Coast, whilst the CoE women are four games clear of seventh placed Albury-Wodonga.
For the CoE, the mission is clear: win this week to give themselves the best chance to contend in the finals, when they return from the FIBA U17 World Cups.
Last weekend witnessed split results for the two CoE programs.
The CoE women managed a dominant victory against Central Coast, followed by a loss to the top contender Manly Warringah, whilst the CoE men suffered two defeats on the road in Round 10.
As the CoE turn their attention to Round 11, Saturday will feature a trip to Sutherland, followed by a home court defence against the Inner West Bulls to close out the regular season.
CoE Stats Leaders
Women: Zara Russell 16.39 PPG | Zara Russell 3.89 APG | Jemyma Manyok 7.5 RPG | Jemyma Manyok 2.31 BPG | Olivia Olechnowicz 2.22 SPG
Men: Jai Fa’ale 19.00 PPG | Luke Paul 3.64 APG | Ajak Nyuon 7.94 RPG | Jongkuch Mach 1.80 BPG | Alexander Dickeson 2.17 SPG
| Sutherland Sharks v Centre of Excellence (W) | ||
| 20 June | Sutherland Basketball Stadium | 5:00 pm AEST |
| Sutherland Sharks v Centre of Excellence (M) | ||
| 20 June | Sutherland Basketball Stadium | 7:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Inner West Bulls (W) | ||
| 21 June | Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) | 1:00 pm AEST |
| Centre of Excellence v Inner West Bulls (M) | ||
| 21 June | Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) | 3:00 pm AEST |
View the NBL1 East ladder here.
View the remaining fixtures of the NBL1 East season here.
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