Suns Fall Short in Longest Road Trip of the Season

The Eastern Suns made the long trip to Kalgoorlie on Saturday night to take on the Goldfields Giants in the club’s longest away journey of the 2026 NBL1 West season.

Despite strong individual performances and competitive stretches across both contests, the Suns were unable to return home with a win, with the Giants claiming both games on the night.

The trip also marked a significant milestone for Reece Maxwell, who celebrated his 350th SBL/NBL1 appearance.

WOMEN

The Suns women fell 64–84 to the Giants, with Goldfields making a fast start that proved difficult to overcome.

After conceding 30 points in the opening quarter, the Suns responded strongly in the second term to remain within reach heading into halftime. However, the Giants were able to maintain control through the second half to secure the result.

Trista Hull produced a dominant performance for the Suns, finishing with an outstanding double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds, while also contributing 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks in a huge all-around effort.

Gabriela Bronson added 11 points and 6 rebounds, continuing her consistent form, while Alyssa Bowen contributed 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Despite the result, the Suns continued to compete throughout the contest and showed resilience after the difficult opening quarter.

MEN

The Suns men went down in a tight contest, falling 76–79 after a hard-fought battle that came down to the final minutes.

The Suns started strongly and maintained control for much of the game, leading heading into the fourth quarter before the Giants finished strongly late to steal the result at home.

Marley Sam led the Suns with 22 points, 8 assists and 4 steals in another impressive all-around performance.

Hayden Price recorded a strong double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, providing a major presence inside, while Terrandus Smith added 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

The night also marked a milestone moment for Reece Maxwell, who brought up his 350th SBL/NBL1 appearance, recognising his long-standing contribution to the game and the program.

While the Suns were unable to secure the results on the road, both teams showed resilience and competitiveness throughout a challenging away trip against Goldfields. Strong individual performances continued to emerge, highlighted by Trista Hull’s dominant outing and another composed display from the men despite the narrow finish. The teams now regroups ahead of the next challenge as the season continues as we face Perry Lakes at home in Heritage Round.

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