Geraldton Buccaneers knock Warwick off their throne as the Buccs deal Senators their first loss of season

The Geraldton Buccaneers secured their biggest win of the season yet on Saturday night at home, handing the Warwick Senators their first loss of the season.

Verle Williams and Johny Narkle starred for the Buccs in their round eight win, with the pair getting the crowd on their feet shooting high percentages from the floor.

Coming off a win at home last round against the Perry Lakes Hawks, the Buccs returned home to face the undefeated league leaders Warwick, who have steamrolled allcomers.

The Buccs had the home crowd behind them as fans flocked to Activewest Stadium to back their Buccs.

Both teams jumped out the blocks in the first quarter in what ended up being a high-scoring opening quarter. Narkle got it started with two quick free throws before Nik DeSantis got scoring from the field under way.

One of the biggest threats to the Buccs was Warwick’s Elijah Pepper, who has averaged just under 40 points per game this season, with the Wildcats player starring for the Senators.

The Buccs managed to lock Pepper down in the second quarter as the home side jumped out to a quick start scoring 12 points before the Senators called a timeout.

The momentum shifted after the Senators’ timeout with the league leaders attempting to claw back the margin.

Senators’ Pepper struggled beyond the arc all night as he attempted to shoot his way out of the defensive efforts the Buccs were putting on the Senators’ star. The score going into half-time saw the Buccs leading the Senators, 55-44.

The third quarter saw the Buccs extend their lead with Josh Keyes and Liam Hunt being clinical in the key, while Narkle and Williams continued their attack at the rim.

The Buccs entered the final term up by 16 points with the crowd well and truly riding the Buccs home. Williams hit an important three keeping the Buccs on the front foot.

Warwick struggled to get back on the board as the home crowd got behind the Buccs as victory was assured late in the fourth quarter. The final score was 100-87.

Narkle finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds and two steals while Williams had 20 points, two rebounds and eight assists coming off the bench. Buccs’ starter Keyes impressed all night, finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds and one assist.

The Buccs will now gear up for a double header on the road, playing Lakeside Lightning on Saturday night and Willetton Tigers on Sunday.