The Geraldton Buccaneers have gone back-to-back in their road games over the weekend, taking wins over Cockburn and East Perth to remain top of the NBL1 West ladder.
On Saturday night, the Buccs were met with the high-intensity game of the Cougars, with both teams looking to catch their opponents off guard early.
The Buccaneers rolled out the starting line five of Nik DeSantis, Aaron Ralph, Elliot Bennett, Josh Keyes, and Liam Hunt.
The majority of the game was fast-paced, which suited Geraldton well given Cockburn was playing the second of their two games over the weekend.
The Cougars got the early jump, putting up a three to set the tone, before the Buccs settled, going on the offense.
It was a high-scoring first period, with Keyes leading the way early scoring 10 points but Cockburn taking the lead 29-28.
The frenetic pace continued into the second period, with neither team able to create significant separation.
The Cougars looked on song, with Gavin Field setting up Demetris Morant with an alley oop early in the second.
Not to be deterred, the Buccs continued to press, with DeSantis and the returning Bob Griechen having an influence on the contest.
Their efforts helped Geraldton to a two-point lead at the half.
With the scores on track for a 200-point game, both teams’ defences began to take control.
It became difficult to score, with each side having to work hard to score.
It continued in the final term, where the war of attrition began to take its toll on the Cougars.
The Buccs took control of their tired opponents, and were ruthless on defence.
They went on a 14-3 run during the final period to create the separation, leading to the 100-86 win.
DeSantis continued his fine form, with 24 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal while shooting at 53 per cent from the field.
Griechen meanwhile impressed off the bench with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block for the match.
Less than 16 hours later, the Buccs were in action again, taking on the East Perth Eagles at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.
Geraldton was out for revenge against the Eagles, who took the win when the two sides faced at Active West Stadium earlier this month.
The Buccs got off to a hot start, with some slick ball movement allowing them to dictate terms.
They quickly led 13-6 in the opening stages of the first period.
However, East Perth settled, clawing their way back into the contest.
Geraldton got themselves further in front in the second quarter, with the Buccs stamping their authority on the contest.
It was highlighted by a buzzer-beater three from Liam Hunt to end the first half with a nine-point lead.
More of the same was seen in the second half, with Josh Keyes making shots from across the court.
The lead stretched out to 14 points at the end of the third period, with the game all but wrapped up.
Geraldton finished on top, winning 97-76 at the final buzzer.
It was a well-rounded performance from the Buccaneers, with multiple contributors throughout.
Keyes impressed with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block, while Liam Hunt showed his presence with 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block.
The usual suspects in Nik DeSantis (21 points, six assists, two rebounds, one steal) and Aaron Ralph (10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists) performed strongly, as did Bob Griechen (17 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals) in his second game back.
Meanwhile, veteran Mat Wundenberg also had a good day out, with four points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
The side continued their strong performances despite being without finals MVP Johnny Narkle and former league MVP Josh Braun due to injury.
The Buccs will return home for round 10, when they have a home double-header at Active West Stadium, lining up against Joondalup on Saturday, June 1, and Perth on Sunday, June 2.
Source Agencies
