Buccaneers bounce back to thrash the Willetton Tigers and maintain grip on NBL1

The Geraldton Buccaneers have bounced back from last week’s first loss of the season to the Cockburn Cougars with a dominant victory over the Willetton Tigers at Active West Stadium on Saturday night. The Buccs were keen to re-assert their dominance on the NBL1 against a Willetton side looking to jump into the top eight. They were on a mission from the outset scoring nine straight points during the opening term to lead by as much as 15, and be up 32-20 by quarter-time. The Buccaneers didn’t let up, extending that advantage to 23 points during the second quarter and went into the half-time break in control 55-39. However Willetton hit back during the third quarter scoring 17 unanswered points to send a real scare into the league-leaders. The Buccs managed to get back on the board but their lead was cut to nine points heading in to the final term. But any nerves were quelled with 28 points to 12 in the fourth term to end up winning 102-77 to improve to a 11-1 record on the season to remain on top, while Willetton remains outside the top eight at 6-6. Cameron Coleman was outstanding for Geraldton finishing the evening with 28 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists on shooting 10/16 from the floor and 7/8 from the free-throw line. Mathiang Muo added 18 points, nine rebounds and six steals, Malik Meunier 17 points and five assists, Shaun Stewart 17 points, four boards and three assists. Perth Wildcats development player Oliver Hayes-Brown delivered 21 points and 10 rebounds for Willetton. The Buccs will next play the ninth placed Perth Redbacks at Activewest Stadium Saturday night.