Suns Split First Nations Round with Strong Bounce Back Against Goldfields
The weekend saw the Suns split results, with the men opening against Joondalup before bouncing back with a strong home victory over the Goldfields Giants, while the women delivered an impressive win over the Giants on Sunday.
MEN v JOONDALUP WOLVES
The Suns men fell 74–98 to the Joondalup Wolves on Saturday night.
The Wolves established control early and gradually built their advantage across the contest, limiting the Suns’ offensive opportunities despite a determined effort throughout the four quarters.
Joe Cook-Green led the Suns with 26 points, adding 4 rebounds in another strong offensive display.
Marley Sam continued his outstanding season, finishing with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double, while Terrandus Smith contributed 14 points and 5 steals.
Providing a spark off the bench, Colin Howells finished with 10 points in an energetic performance.
WOMEN v GOLDFIELDS GIANTS
The Suns women responded in style on Sunday, defeating the Goldfields Giants 75–62 with a dominant second-half performance.
After a tightly contested opening half, the Suns broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Giants 27–20 before closing out the victory with another strong defensive effort in the final period.
Alyssa Bowen produced one of the performances of the season, pouring in 35 points while collecting 8 rebounds in a sensational offensive display, earning her the NBL1 West Foot Locker Player of the Week.
Trista Hull was again outstanding, recording a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds while also adding 4 assists, 4 steals and an incredible 6 blocks.
Gabriela Bronson controlled the game in multiple facets with 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, while Yume Knoll contributed across the board with 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
MEN v GOLDFIELDS GIANTS
The Suns men responded to Saturday night’s disappointment with an impressive 85–74 victory over the Giants.
After a closely fought first half, the Suns produced a dominant third quarter, holding Goldfields to just 15 points while scoring 28 themselves to establish a lead they would not surrender.
Marley Sam led another balanced team effort with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Joe Cook-Green and Terrandus Smith each added 15 points, with Cook-Green also dishing out 7 assists.
A welcome boost for the Suns came with the return of Lewis Thomas from injury, who made an immediate impact with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.
First Nations Round provided another memorable weekend. While the men were unable to overcome Joondalup, both teams responded strongly on Sunday with impressive victories over the Goldfields Giants.
Alyssa Bowen’s 35-point masterclass and another outstanding all-around performance from Trista Hull led the women’s charge, while the men’s balanced team effort and the return of Lewis Thomas highlighted an important bounce-back victory. The Suns now carry valuable momentum into the closing rounds of the season.
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