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NBL1 West: Geraldton Buccaneers remain unbeaten after surviving last-gasp Devondrick Walker miss

Justin Fris and Lachlan AllenGeraldton Guardian
Silky Buccs import Cameron Coleman glides to the bucket despite close attention from Devondrick Walker, Greg Hire and Apanyjwok Abuy.
Camera IconSilky Buccs import Cameron Coleman glides to the bucket despite close attention from Devondrick Walker, Greg Hire and Apanyjwok Abuy. Credit: Arctic_Moon_Photography

The Geraldton Buccaneers remain undefeated in the NBL1 West men’s competition after holding on for a thrill-a-minute 88-86 win over the Rockingham Flames on Saturday night at Activewest Stadium.

Flames import Devondrick Walker (37 points - 6/9 field goals, 7/15 from beyond the arc) — who had single-handedly picked his team off the canvas earlier in the night — missed a game-winning corner three-pointer as time expired.

Easily the most exciting offensive showcase of the season, both teams jacked up 11 three-point attempts between them inside the opening five minutes of the game, which clearly indicated the contest would not be for the faint-hearted.

Both teams traded blows early on, although Buccs duo Johny Narkle (14 defensive rebounds) and Malik Meunier did a superb job curtailing the influence of offensive threat Marshall Nelson and former Perth Wildcats skipper Greg Hire.

Late in the second term, with the home side holding a commanding 43-27 lead, Flames coach Ryan Petrik took a time-out to stem the flow.

This pause galvanised the visitors — who were backing up from road trips to Kalgoorlie and Bunbury over the previous fortnight leading into their Mid West visit — with their resurgence pioneered by a majestic offensive masterclass from Walker.

However, some heads-up plays in the paint during the final minutes from Buccs imports Sean Stewart, and Cameron Coleman was enough for the home side to chalk up yet another impressive home win.

This result sees the Buccs remain top of the NBL1 West ladder with a 7-0 record while the Flames have moved down to fourth.

They will now face the third placed Mandurah Magic next Saturday night at Activewest Stadium.

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