Round 14 marked First Nations Round in the NBL1 West, and the Bendigo Bank Eastern Suns hit the court for a huge double-header weekend against two strong oppositions: the Rockingham Flames and Joondalup Wolves.

While the Women fought hard across two tough matchups, it was the Men’s squad who made a statement — knocking off the ladder leaders Rockingham in a thrilling home game before backing it up with another gritty win on the road to cement themselves firmly in the playoff race.

Game 1: Eastern Suns v Rockingham Flames (Women)
Ray Owen Sports Centre | July 4, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Final Score: Flames 87 – Suns 68

The Women opened First Nations Round with a solid first half but couldn’t keep pace with the experienced Flames line-up. Karly Murphy marked her 50th NBL1 League game in style with another huge double-double.

Key Performers:

  • Karly Murphy: 26 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals (50th NBL1 game)
  • Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Game 2: Eastern Suns v Rockingham Flames (Men)
Ray Owen Sports Centre | July 4, 2025 | 8:30 PM
Final Score: Suns 91 – Flames 88

The Men produced one of the games of the season, knocking off top-of-the-table Rockingham in front of a buzzing Suns home crowd. The moment of the night? Captain Lewis Thomas sealing it with a three — celebrations unmatched!

Key Performers:

  • Randy Bell: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
  • Marshall Nelson: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
  • Marley Sam: 12 points off the bench, 3 rebounds, 1 assist

Game 3: Eastern Suns v Joondalup Wolves (Women)
HBF Arena Joondalup | July 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Final Score: Wolves 116 – Suns 85

Backing up the next day on the road, the Women were up against another tough opposition in Joondalup. They battled bravely in a high-scoring clash that tested their depth.

Key Performers:

  • Karly Murphy: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
  • Alyssa Bowen: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
  • Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal

Game 4: Eastern Suns v Joondalup Wolves (Men)
HBF Arena Joondalup | July 5, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Final Score: Suns 89 – Wolves 83

Less than 24 hours after toppling Rockingham, the Men did it again — knocking off Joondalup on their home floor! Randy Bell was unstoppable with a 35-point haul, draining seven threes, while Marshall Nelson backed him up with another monster night.

Key Performers:

  • Randy Bell: 35 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 three-pointers (63.6% 3P%)
  • Marshall Nelson: 31 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

A huge weekend for the Suns Men and a fantastic celebration of First Nations Round for the whole club. Game Recaps proudly driven by Midland Mitsubishi!