Geraldton Buccaneers look to bounce back at home when they face Joondalup on Saturday

The Geraldton Buccaneers head into round 10 of the NBL1 West this weekend coming off a split road trip, with hopes of bouncing back at home when they face the Joondalup Wolves on Saturday.

The Buccs return home after a two-game road trip, which saw them pick up a win on Saturday against Lakeside Lightning before overtime heartbreak on Sunday against the Willetton Tigers.

The 20-point win over Lakeside on Saturday night was headlined by Aaron Ralph breaking the all-time three-point record, with the star forward and Buccs’ captain securing his record in the first half of the contest.

The Buccs fell short on Sunday against Willetton in overtime by four points after injuries prevented the full strength team from being on the court.

Buccs’ big man Liam Hunt had an impressive weekend with back-to-back double-doubles along with Josh Keyes, who secured a double-double against Willetton, and Johny Narkle, who also drew up big numbers against Lakeside.

Despite going down to Willetton in overtime, Hunt said the team was in good spirits after Ralph’s record-breaking achievement.

“The spirit is pretty high after Ralphie broke that record and obviously the big win against Lakeside,” he said.

“To go down like that against Willetton is tough but they are a top four team.

“You know, it’s heartbreaking, but we have just got to keep learning from our failures.

“We can’t play perfect, its not possible, but we want to be perfect in everything we can control.”

Hunt said having someone like Ralph at the helm as captain was invaluable to everyone in the group.

“He (Ralph) is just a class player and someone we really value in the group,” Hunt said.

“He knows when players need a rev up and a lift and he always provides it.

“Ralphie is just someone you can rely on to deliver in big moments.

“I don’t see his record ever being touched.”

Turning their attention to this weened, the Buccs host rivals Joondalup in what promises to be a high octane game with both sides sitting next to each other on the league ladder.

The Wolves are coming off a win against the Eastern Suns in round nine in what was a low-scoring affair. The Wolves now face a hungry Buccs outfit as the home side looks to bounce back with a big win at home.

Hunt said the squad was raring to get over the top of the Wolves in what always promises to be a thriller.

“Joondalup games are always big games,” he said.

“They always are fun games to play in and always seem to come right down to the wire.

“We have had a rivalry with Joondalup for the last six years, so we are looking forward to playing them at home.”

The Buccs sit just under the Wolves on the NBL1 West league ladder in fifth, with the visitors holding down the fourth position, making Saturday’s contest one to watch.

Tip-off is at 7pm on Saturday, June 7, at Activewest Stadium.