Geraldton Buccaneers suffer first loss of the season to Cockburn Cougars

The Geraldton Buccaneers’ unbeaten start to their 2022 campaign came to an end on Sunday, after a brilliant first-half from the Cockburn Cougars ensured they ran out 98-94 victors at Wally Hagan Stadium.

A stunning Carter Skaggs shooting display, which saw him hit nine three-pointers and 37 points, helped the Cougars snap the unbeaten run of the Buccs.

It was a remarkable contest which ended up seeing the Cougars hand the Buccs their first loss of the season with a four point win.

Cameron Coleman top scored with 21 points while Shaun Stewart had a quiet night with 10 points.

Despite the result, the Buccs’ bid for a second State basketball men’s championship under Dayle Joseph remains on track.

On Saturday night, the Buccs defeated a gutsy Warwick Senators 95-88 at Warwick Stadium.

It was a determined display from the Buccs, who restricted the potent Sentators offence — spearheaded by Caleb Davis and NBL veteran Cody Ellis — to a miserly 30 points in the second half.

Not content to rely on running excessive three-point sets, the Buccs’ victory was built around discipline and execution inside the paint, with American import Shaun Stewart (25 points - 10/13 inside the key, 10 rebounds) leading the way offensively.

Coupled by their superb inside shooting, the visitors also sunk 17/28 from their trips to the free-throw line, with these points proving to be telling, given the final result.

The Buccs will now head back home to Geraldton for a match against the Willetton Tigers this Saturday night in round 10 of the NBL1-West.