The Central Coast Crusaders hosted both the Canberra Gunners and Canberra Nationals on Saturday, May 11, and came away with split results.
The Crusaders men were up first at 5pm against the Gunners, who are historically one of the stronger teams in the league
They sit atop the ladder with eight wins and one loss.
It was an unusual first quarter for Robbie Heath, going just one of seven from the field, which allowed the Gunners to build up a big 41-24 lead going into the second half.
Things largely remained the same with captain James Trustum having his own shooting struggles.
Canberra took advantage of the Crusaders’ shooting woes with veteran William Bates being the only player on the home-side with a +50 per cent field goal percentage.
The game was never really in doubt, finishing with a 97-67 win for Canberra, a massive blow for the home fans as the Crusaders had the opportunity to deal the Gunners their second loss of the season.
The Crusaders remain in 12th spot with three wins and five losses, but with plenty of time left in the season, a spot in the top eight is absolutely viable.
Next up the Crusaders women looked to continue their dominant season with their matchup against Canberra Nationals tipping off at 7pm.
Debuting at the center position, new signing Kristina Moore, who had a stellar season last year with the Phantoms Boom in the first division in Belgium, quickly got to work for the Crusaders.
It was a tight match with the Crusaders taking a narrow 43-39 lead going into the break which remained the narrative for the rest of the night as they fought hard to keep their lead.
The combined experience and veterancy of Mitchell, Dombkins and Forcadilla gave the Crusaders a mental edge as they fended off the Nationals and closed out a 92-79 win at home.
Moore’s debut was the key takeaway of the game as she dropped 23 points and grabbed seven boards on an efficient 52 per cent from the field.
Moore’s transfer to the Crusaders seems like the final piece in their bid to take home the championship this season as she rounds out the now loaded level of talent and experience the Coast team has.
The Crusaders women remain in fifth place with a six win and two loss record and they show no signs of slowing down as the season heads into full swing.
The Crusaders take to the road this Saturday, May 18, with their matchup against rivals Newcastle at Newcastle Basketball Stadium shaping up to be a big one.
The women tip off at 5pm as they take on the third placed Falcons with a chance to deal them their second loss on the season, while the men have a great chance to steal a win on the road with tip off at 7pm against 13th placed Falcons.
Stefan Kataric