Week 1 Sunday SBL wrap
AN exciting opening weekend of the 2016 SBL season concluded on Sunday afternoon with the Geraldton Buccaneers defeating the Lakeside Lightning 124-103 at Lakeside Recreation Centre.
Both the Lightning and Buccaneers had already played once apiece earlier in the weekend, and backed up on Sunday afternoon with the visiting Buccs prevailing by 21 points.
Lakeside started its 2016 campaign in style on Friday night beating the Stirling Senators 101-98 at Warwick Stadium while Geraldton went down to the Mandurah Magic in an overtime thriller 104-102 at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Saturday night.
Little over 12 hours later the Buccs had to back up against the Lightning, but they did a tremendous job after quarter-time.
The Lightning got off to a solid start leading by seven at quarter-time but the Buccs then turned on the highest-scoring quarter of the opening round in the second period piling on 45 points to lead 67-52 at the half.
Another 36 points in the fourth quarter for the Buccaneers saw them record their first victory of 2016, and hand the Lightning their first defeat by the tune of 21 points.
New signing for 2016 Matthew Adekponya again showed why he could be just as effective a signing as Bennie Lewis has been the last two years for Geraldton with 33 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 11-of-21 from the floor and 3-of-7 from downtown.
Maurice Barrow was also impressive with 31 points and 11 boards for the Buccaneers while Aaron Ralph contributed 24 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Carter Cook also had 15 points, five assists and four rebounds as he led the team in the absence of Mat Wundenberg.
New import Daniel Alexander top-scored for the Lightning with 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists while fellow new signing for 2016 TJ Hallice finished with 16 points, 12 boards, five assists, three blocked shots and two steals.
Tom Parkinson had a good afternoon for Lakeside with 26 points and eight rebounds with Seva Chan showing that he will be a solid pick up as point guard this year with 15 points and six assists.
Corey Martin also had eight points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a strong all-round contribution.
SUNDAY MEN'S SBL MATCHES
Lakeside Lightning 103 lost to Geraldton Buccaneers 124
Article by Chris Pike
Photo by Mick Cronin
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