The Bank of Queensland Redbacks’ men’s State Basketball League team won their first game of the year against the Silver Lake Resources Goldfields Giants 88 to 81.

In a tough encounter that saw the lead change 10 times, the Redbacks came back from a 60 to 65 deficit at the end of the third quarter to steady and secure the important away-game win in Kalgoorlie.

Power-forward Michael Vigor top-scored for the Redbacks with 24 along with 11 rebounds and four assists.

Veteran shooting-guard Ryan Neill scored 15 along with two rebounds and two assists while fellow shooting-guard Jarrad Prior also had 15 as well as two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Centre Justin Brown had 13 points and nine rebounds and point-guard Joel Wagner had 10 assists, 11 points and six rebounds.

US import Steven Weingarten top-scored for the Giants with 25 along with 10 rebounds, fellow US import Markhuri Sanders-Frison scored 25 and had 17 rebounds and captain Matthew Leske scored 20.

Redbacks’ coach Nik Lackovic said after the long road trip to Kalgoorlie the team showed a lot of composure and character to fight for four quarters in what was a real defensive battle.

“Encouraging signs for the team was five players contributing in double figures, led by Vigor’s 24,” he said.

The win sees the Redbacks in sixth-place in the 14-team competition on percentages.

The Redbacks’ women’s team has their first game of the year at their home-venue of Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre against the Willetton Tigers at 6PM this Saturday.

This is followed by the men’s game between the Redbacks and Tigers, with tip-off at 8PM.

Article by Redbacks Media
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)