Geraldton Buccaneers claim back-to-back wins on the road, stay on top of NBL1 West ladder

The Geraldton Buccaneers have gone back-to-back in their road games over the weekend, taking wins over Cockburn and East Perth to remain top of the NBL1 West ladder. On Saturday night the Buccs were met with the high-intensity game of the Cougars, with both teams looking to catch their opponents off guard early. The Buccaneers rolled out the starting five of Nik DeSantis, Aaron Ralph, Elliot Bennett, Josh Keyes and Liam Hunt. Most of the game was fast-paced, which suited Geraldton well given Cockburn was playing the second of their two games over the weekend. The Cougars got the early jump, putting up a three to set the tone, before the Buccs settled, going on the offence. It was a high-scoring first period with Keyes leading the way early, scoring 10 points, but Cockburn taking the lead 29-28. The frenetic pace continued into the second period, with neither team able to create significant separation. The Cougars looked on song, as Gavin Field set up Demetris Morant with an alley-oop early in the second term. Not to be deterred the Buccs continued to press, with DeSantis and the returning Bob Griechen having an influence on the contest. Their efforts helped Geraldton to a two-point lead at the half. With scores on track for a 200-point game, both teams’ defences began to take control. It became difficult to score, with each side having to work hard to find the net. It continued in the final term, when the war of attrition began to take its toll on the Cougars. The Buccs took control of their tired opponents and were ruthless on defence. They went on a 14-3 run during the final period to create the separation, leading to the 100-86 win. DeSantis continued his fine form, with 24 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal while shooting at 53 per cent from the field. Griechen, meanwhile, impressed off the bench with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block for the match. Less than 16 hours later, the Buccs were in action again, taking on the East Perth Eagles at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre. Geraldton was out for revenge against the Eagles, who took the win when the two sides faced off at Activewest Stadium earlier this month. The Buccs got off to a hot start with some slick ball movement allowing them to dictate terms. They quickly led 13-6 in the opening stages of the first period. However, East Perth settled, clawing their way back into the contest. Geraldton got further in front in the second quarter, with the Buccs stamping their authority on the contest. It was highlighted by a buzzer-beating three from Hunt to end the first half with a nine-point lead. More of the same was seen in the second half, with Keyes making shots from across the court. The lead stretched out to 14 points at the end of the third period, with the game all but wrapped up. Geraldton finished on top, winning 97-76 at the final buzzer. It was a well-rounded performance from the Buccaneers with multiple contributors throughout. Keyes impressed with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block, while Hunt showed his presence with 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block. The usual suspects in DeSantis (21 points, six assists, two rebounds, one steal) and Ralph (10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists) performed strongly, as did Griechen (17 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals) in his second game back. Meanwhile, veteran Mat Wundenberg also had a good day out with four points, 10 rebounds and two assists. The side continued its strong performances despite being without finals MVP Johnny Narkle and former league MVP Josh Braun due to injury. The Buccs return home for round 10, when they have a home double-header at Activewest Stadium, lining up against Joondalup on Saturday, June 1, and Perth on Sunday, June 2.