Geraldton Buccaneers hold off Senators as Malik Meunier stars again

The Geraldton Buccaneers continue to grow into season 2023 as they came out on top in a high-quality match-up against the Senators 92-82. The Buccs, who are in the middle of a tough run of fixtures, faced another finals contender from last year as the Senators look for their first away win this season. The Buccs were dealt a blow before the match started with star import Zac Gattorna ruled out, which saw Liam Bennett named in the squad for the first time, while Robert Griechen returned to the bench fresh off his State duties. Even without Gattorna the Buccs continued their trend of starting strong with a dominant opening quarter as they spread the love with all five starters hitting the scoreboard. The Senators did not hit a three as they struggled with the Buccs’ offensive pressure as the Buccs grabbed a 14-point advantage after the first quarter. Geraldton’s lead did get out to as much as 21 points but the Senators were finally able to stop the bleeding as Caleb Davis dragged his side back into the match cutting the lead to 12 at the half. A five-point run saw the Senators close to seven points but Liam Hunt and Shaun Stewart kept the Senators in check as they traded baskets throughout the quarter. Ethan Elliott led a late charge to get the Senators within six points, the closest margin since the start of the game, but the Buccs once again found the answer with Stewart and Malik Meunier ensuring they never got to within a basket. Malik Meunier continued his stand-out form with another 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals with observers suggesting NBL clubs might be taking notice of his strong start to the year. Fletcher Klasztorny could very well have played the best game of his 106-match career with 19 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Shaun Stewart played all 40 minutes contributing 20 points, seven boards and five assists, and Liam Hunt added 14 points and six rebounds. The Buccs improve to 3-2 on the season and move up to fourth as a result of the win while the Senators are now 2-2 following the loss. The Buccs will be at home again next week when they take on the Eastern Suns.