NBL1 Recap 28, 29 & 30 July

Todd Blanchfield delivered in the NBL1 North semi-final, and the Gold Coast Rollers had too much for the South West Metro Pirates to be the first team into the 2023 Grand Final Series.

The first of the NBL1 North men's semi-finals took place on Friday night with the Rollers beating the Pirates 108-95.

The stars all came up huge in the win with Todd Blanchfield outstanding ahead of his return to the Illawarra Hawks for NBL24. He finished with 32 points and 16 rebounds including hitting 6/15 from three-point range.

The Gold Coast Rollers will face Ipswich in a three game series, starting on Friday 4 August, tipping off at 7:30pm.

The Knox Raiders had to withstand a fast start and blistering finish from the Eltham Wildcats but were just able to prevail and win 84-81 at home on Saturday night to keep their season alive.

Knox finished the regular season in top spot of the NBL1 South two games clear but then suffered a loss to the Sandringham Sabres in the qualifying final last week.

Mason Peatling added eight points, six rebounds and one assist in his sides win.

The Raiders will come up against Mt Gambier on Friday 4 August tipping off at 7:30pm in a prelim final.

The West Adelaide Bearcats faced an upset loss against the Forestville Eagles in the Qualifying Semi-Final on Sunday at Port Adelaide 81-83.

Lachlan Olbrich contributing 16 points, seven rebounds and 3 assists.

The Bearcats get a second chance on Saturday 5 August against the Sturt Sabres, tip off 7:30pm ACST.