Geraldton Buccaneers third-term burst sees them triumph over Mandurah, gain momentum heading into finals

Geraldton have shaken off last week’s result, taking control in a 15-point win over Mandurah at Activewest Stadium on Saturday and cementing the NBL1 West minor premiership.

Coming off just their second loss in season 2024, the Buccs were looking for momentum to take into the post-season in their final home match of the regular season.

Sporting their First Nations round jerseys, the side found themselves in a shootout early, trailing by one-point at the half with both teams combining for 119 points in that time.

Despite a heavy influence from Mandurah’s Joel Murray, who had 41 points on the night, Geraldton played a tough brand of basketball and had multiple contributors throughout.

With the game on the line in the third period, the Buccs found another gear, going on a 17-2 run to build what would prove to be an insurmountable lead.

Liam Hunt had a strong role throughout the contest, putting up 23 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists to help his side get the win.

Josh Keyes was also influential, scoring a team-high 25 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, shooting at 77 per cent from the field.

The game started off free-flowing, setting the tone for the evening’s events.

After the Magic got the first points of the night, the Buccs responded with three three-pointers to get the side off the mark.

It was a high scoring opening, with neither side willing to give an inch early.

Nik DeSantis started strongly, scoring 11 points in the first term as the Buccs took the 34-31 lead at quarter time.

Not to be deterred, Mandurah continued their intensity, led by Murray, who was able to put up 27 points in the first half.

Some missed opportunities from the Buccs opened the door for the Magic, who took a one-point lead at half time.

However, Mandurah would go without important guard Julian Pesava for the rest of the match due to injury.

It looked to be more of the same in the second half, with both teams going shot for shot without creating much separation.

However, a five-minute burst from Geraldton to finish the third period allowed them to get on top.

Johny Narkle found his way through the Magic defence to kick start the Buccs’ run with a dunk, with Geraldton’s pressure going to another level on both ends of the floor.

They were able to navigate their way through traffic to score, while forcing their opponents to create tough opportunities in order to put up points.

It resulted in a 17-2 swing, capped off by Hunt finishing an alley oop to get the side 14 points up.

The side maintained the pressure in the final quarter, closing out the 115-100 win.

Defensive player of the year nominee Narkle continued his impressive season, with 23 points, two rebounds and two assists, while Desantis was also strong with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The Buccs will head to Perth, unable to be dislodged from top spot, to take on the bottom of the table Redbacks in their final match of the home and away season on Saturday, July 20.