BSBL 2023: Experience the difference for Bulls Maroon during derby win over Bulls Gold

It didn’t take long for Bulls Maroon to click into gear during Friday night’s 89-69 Bunbury Senior Basketball League men’s derby win against Bulls Gold. After spotting the opening three-pointer of the contest, Maroon constructed a masterful 24-7 run for the remainder of the quarter, which effectively put the game in their keeping thereafter. Critically, all of the reigning champs’ points during the first term came from three men — Travis Durnin, Cody Hill and Rhys Barrett — all with substantial NBL1 West experience. While they dominated offensively, Maroon were equally impressive defensively. Gold’s playmakers were able to pass the ball, however they were faced with a wall of defenders every time they looked to penetrate inside the key. This resulted in several shots being forced under duress from beyond the arc, which routinely missed their desired target. Although Gold’s youngsters were able to wrest slices of momentum from time to time, the margin always hovered beyond 10 points. In the women’s competition, Tornadoes Black moved two games clear on top of the ladder, following their 69-51 win over Aces Navy. A-Men: Conquerors 106 (Jaikie Hastie 26 points, Tyrell McKenzie-Roe 20) d Aces Sky 97 (Cooper Metcalfe 35, Nathan Walsh 31), Bulls Maroon 89 (Travis Durnin 24, Cody Hill 23) d Bulls Gold 69 (Byron Jonker 24, Pharell Keats 16), Tornadoes Black 99 (Travis McNaughton 27, Josh Sutherland 23) d Aces White 82 (Charlie Andrews 32, Josh Brabazon 23), Tornadoes Red 122 (Jaydon Wilson 26, Jack Flynn 22) d Eaton Eagles 78 (Bodey Bishop 18, Dylan Moir 17). A-Women: Tornadoes Red 66 (Jasmine Barrett 18, Charlotte Mills 15) d Eaton Eagles 43 (Skye Forward 11, Isabella Bovell 8), Aces Sky 69 (Ella Edwards 25, Addison Edwards 17) d Conquerors 52 (Karinda Farrant 32, Emily Brough 8), Tornadoes Black 69 (Tiahna Sears 31, Bree Chalk 14) d Aces Navy 51 (Grace Adams 10, Ngaire Parish 8).