Round 6 was a special one for the Eastern Suns as we celebrated Pink Round sponsored by CJD Equipment at Ray Owen Sports Centre in support of breast cancer awareness. The night featured milestones, standout performances, and a thrilling finish in the Men’s clash with the Cockburn Cougars.

Game 1: Eastern Suns v Cockburn Cougars (Women)
May 10, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Final Score: Cougars 94 – Suns 79

It was a tale of two halves in the Women’s game, with the Cougars racing out to a 63–30 lead by halftime. But the Suns responded with grit and determination in the second half, outscoring Cockburn across the final two quarters.

Karly Murphy was unstoppable, earning Pink Round MVP honours with a monster 30-point, 21-rebound double-double. Olivia Berry added 18 points and impacted both ends of the floor, while Alyssa Bowen made a strong return in her first NBL1 game for 2025. The game also marked a special milestone for Jemma Gartrell, who notched her 50th appearance for the Suns.

Key Performers:

  • Karly Murphy: 30 points, 21 rebounds, 4 steals
  • Olivia Berry: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
  • Alyssa Bowen: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal

Game 2: Eastern Suns v Cockburn Cougars (Men)
May 10, 2025 | 8:30 PM
Final Score: Suns 82 – Cougars 79

The Men’s clash was a Saturday night thriller! After a dominant third quarter from the Cougars, the Suns dug deep in the fourth to rally home with a gutsy win. Milestone men Lewis Thomas and Joel Vaiangina both celebrated their 100th games in style.

Pink Round MVP Marshall Nelson led the way with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while Travis Fee delivered another clutch performance with 21 points. Vaiangina capped off his milestone game with 13 points and strong play on both ends of the floor.

Key Performers:

  • Marshall Nelson: 28 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
  • Travis Fee: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
  • Joel Vaiangina: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block

Thank you to everyone who came out in pink and helped make the night special. A big shoutout to CJD Equipment for proudly sponsoring our Pink Round and to Midland Mitsubishi for continuing to drive the Game Recaps in 2025.