Double Header Weekend
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Another massive weekend awaits the Eastern Suns, with both teams travelling to face Warwick on Friday night before returning home for one of the most significant fixtures on the club calendar — the Mitchell Delle Coste Memorial Game against the Geraldton Buccaneers.
The Suns enter the weekend after a split result against Perth. The Men continued their strong season with another important victory, while the Women once again showed they can compete with anyone despite falling short. With Warwick proving one of the strongest clubs in the competition and Geraldton sitting amongst the championship contenders, both Suns teams face a huge challenge.
A difficult road trip. A special home game. A massive Round 13 ahead.
FORM GUIDE
The Suns Men continue to build momentum, sitting fourth on the NBL1 West ladder with 10 wins for the season following their victory over Perth. The Women remain highly competitive despite their four-win record, with several teams still tightly packed around them on the ladder.
Warwick arrive in excellent form after sweeping their road trip to Kalgoorlie last weekend. Their Women sit third on the ladder with 10 wins and continue to establish themselves amongst the competition’s elite, while the Men have secured five victories and remain dangerous on any given night.
The Geraldton Buccaneers continue to be one of the benchmark teams in NBL1 West. Sitting second on the ladder with only two losses for the season, the Buccs arrive at The Furnace after an impressive 18-point win over Joondalup.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Women vs Warwick Senators
The Suns Women fell 68–92 when the sides met earlier this season, although the scoreboard didn’t fully reflect how competitive the contest was for much of the evening.
Gaby Bronson once again led from the front with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, while co-captain Emma Strelein added 13 points and 3 assists. Alyssa Bowen and Ella Averill also made important contributions as the Suns matched Warwick for large stretches before the Senators pulled away late.
Men vs Warwick Senators
Round 2 produced one of the highlights of the Suns season, with the Men defeating Warwick 98–92 on a memorable night that celebrated Seb Salinas’ 550th game.
Terrandus Smith starred with 24 points and 7 rebounds, while Joe Cook-Green, Marley Sam and Jordan Simpson all played key roles in a complete team performance. Salinas fittingly contributed 13 points in the milestone victory as the Suns held off a late Warwick charge.
Men vs Geraldton Buccaneers
The Buccaneers controlled their last meeting with the Suns, securing a 111–82 victory in Geraldton.
Marshall Nelson led the Suns with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, while Travis Fee added 19 points and Terrico White chipped in 17. The Buccs established an early advantage and never relinquished control, making this weekend’s Memorial Game an opportunity for the Suns to earn some redemption on their home floor.
ONES TO WATCH
The last time the Suns met Warwick, the Core Cider House MVP awards went to Gabriela Bronson and Terrandus Smith — and both players will be looking to replicate those performances this weekend.
Bronson was outstanding for the Women, recording 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while controlling the tempo throughout the contest. Her leadership and consistency have continued to be a driving force behind the Suns this season.
For the Men, Terrandus Smith produced one of his best performances in orange and black, finishing with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. His ability to impact both ends of the floor proved crucial in the Suns’ victory and will again be vital against two quality opponents.
Warwick away.
Geraldton at home.
The Mitchell Delle Coste Memorial Game.
There are few bigger weekends on the Suns calendar.
With valuable ladder positions on the line and the opportunity to honour Mitch’s legacy in front of the home crowd, expect both teams to leave everything on the floor.