The Central Coast Crusaders women continue their undefeated start to the season with a win at home against the Hills Hornets on Saturday, April 20.
The big three of Mitchell, Dombkins and Forcadilla were in full effect, bagging a 100-66-point win.
The first quarter was a tight one as both teams got the opportunities, but the second quarter was where the Crusaders showed off their defensive prowess, holding the Hornets to just nine points.
The big three combined for 63 points but it was veteran Crusader Darneka Rowe who kept the momentum going strong for the Crusaders well into the second half.
The win marks the fourth in a row to start the season and the Crusaders are showing no signs of slowing down as the squad continues to build on court chemistry.
The Crusaders men were also looking to add to their successful start to the season going up against a winless Hornets to close out the night.
A rough start from saw both teams going tit for tat with near misses, but it was the Hornets who went into the second quarter with a 22-11 lead.
Robbie Heath had an unusual game, shooting just 3/17 but was able to still contribute 14 points having a perfect 8/8 from the free throw line.
All hope looked lost as the Crusaders were down by 22 points going into the fourth quarter but a spark from young signing Chan Nai inspired a late comeback.
The Crusaders brought it to within six with two minutes remaining in the match, but were unable to capitalise as the Hornets’ Christopher Bryant continued hitting dagger after dagger to finish his night with 39 points, resulting in a 93-83 win for the Hornets.
The Crusaders will have a shot at redemption when they host one of the most consistently dominant teams in the league at the Canberra Centre of Excellence on Friday, April 26, at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium.
The women kick things off at 6pm as they look to continue their unstoppable run followed by the men who tip off at 8pm.
The Crusaders will then host the Maitland Mustangs on Saturday, April 27, with the women’s match at 5pm and the men’s at 7pm.
This will conclude the Crusaders’ stretch of home games until May 11 when they host the Canberra Nationals.
Stefan Kataric