Maddi Rocci delivers triple-double in Keilor thriller win

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Maddi Rocci recorded a 37-point triple-double as Keilor Thunder defeated Knox Raiders 79–78 at Keilor Stadium on March 28.

Keilor built a 16-point halftime lead before holding off a late Knox comeback to secure the one-point result.

Meanwhile, shooters shoot ... Riley Lupfer made seven shots in her first game for the Nunawading Spectres after she moved from Albury and the East Conference to the South Conference.

All seven were threes as she knocked down 7-from-12 from the field to finish with 23 points and three assists.

Riley Lupfer delivered one of the most spectacular shooting displays in NBL1 East history in 2025, scoring 55 points on 18-from-25 shooting, including an astonishing 16-from-22 from beyond the arc as Albury Wodonga crushed Illawarra 111-72 at The Snakepit Stadium.

Expect her to terrorise NBL South defences in 2026.

Round 1: Nunawading Spectres 99 def. Hobart Chargers 67 – Women – March 27 at Hutchins School

Lupfer and Kylee Blacksten combined for 44 points as Nunawading Spectres powered past Hobart Chargers 99–67 in their NBL1 South Women opener on March 27.

Nunawading took control early, outscoring Hobart 55–29 in the first half, and maintained their advantage across all four quarters with consistent offensive pressure.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Nunawading 28–17, 27–12, 25–19, 19–19
• Nunawading controlled the rebounds 54–42
• Nunawading recorded 28 assists to 13

Lupfer led all scorers with 23 points, shooting 7-from-12 from the field and 7-from-12 from three, stretching the defence throughout.

Blacksten added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Eliza Hollingsworth contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in a dominant interior presence. Teagan Potter chipped in 12 points off the bench.

Sharna Thompson led Hobart with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Chloe Broomhall added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Portia Chopping and Tishara Morehouse also scored 14 and 15 points respectively, but Hobart struggled to keep pace offensively.

By the Numbers

Riley Lupfer (NUN): 23 pts │ 1 reb │ 3 ast │ 7-from-12 3PT
Kylee Blacksten (NUN): 21 pts │ 12 reb │ 3 ast
Sharna Thompson (HOB): 17 pts │ 7 reb │ 2 ast

Round 1: Frankston Blues 83 def. Northern Force 81 – Women – March 27 at Ulverstone Sports & Leisure Centre

Emily Monaghan and Louise Brown combined for 44 points as Frankston Blues edged Northern Force 83–81 in a tight NBL1 South Women opener on March 27.

Frankston closed strongly in the fourth quarter, outscoring Northern Force 21–11 to overturn a late deficit and secure the two-point win on the road.

Game Snapshot

• Quarter scores: Northern Force 22–29, 29–18, 19–15, 11–21
• Frankston controlled the rebounds 42–39
• Frankston generated 22 free throws to 13

Monaghan led Frankston with 24 points on 6-from-10 shooting, adding five rebounds and converting 10-from-13 at the free-throw line.

Brown recorded a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Pahlyss Hokianga added 14 points and three assists to provide scoring support.

Keely Froling delivered a dominant performance with 29 points and 14 rebounds, while Sarah O’Neill and Millie Baker each added 11 points. Despite leading for much of the game, Northern Force were unable to close it out late.

By the Numbers

Emily Monaghan (FRA): 24 pts │ 5 reb │ 2 ast │ 10-from-13 FT
Louise Brown (FRA): 20 pts │ 13 reb
Keely Froling (NOR): 29 pts │ 14 reb │ 2 ast

Geelong United 71, Kilsyth Cobras 86 (Final)

The Geelong Arena – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Kilsyth 43–38

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Geelong 21–21, 17–22, 18–21, 15–22
• Kilsyth won each of the final three quarters after the game was tied at 21–21 after one.
• Geelong shot 31.9% from the field and 17.4% from three.
• Kilsyth shot 45.6% overall and hit 12-from-30 from beyond the arc.

Kilsyth Cobras controlled the game after quarter-time to defeat Geelong United 86–71 at The Geelong Arena on March 28. After an even opening period, Kilsyth found separation through cleaner execution and perimeter scoring, winning every remaining quarter to build a steady margin across the second half.

Georgia McBean led Kilsyth with 25 points, knocking down 5-from-10 from three, while Emme Shearer added 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Hannah Day contributed 12 points off the bench, and Haylee Andrews finished with 11 assists to go with eight points and five rebounds.

Jordan Vasquez led Geelong with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Indiah Bowyer added 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Lilly Rotunno contributed 13 points and four assists.

Top Performers
Geelong United: Jordan Vasquez – 21 points, 16 rebounds
Kilsyth Cobras: Georgia McBean – 25 points

By the Numbers

• Geelong: FG 23-from-72 (31.9%) │ 3PT 4-from-23 (17.4%) │ FT 21-of-32 (65.6%) │ Rebounds 48 │ Assists 15 │ Turnovers 14
• Kilsyth: FG 31-from-68 (45.6%) │ 3PT 12-from-30 (40.0%) │ FT 12-of-14 (85.7%) │ Rebounds 45 │ Assists 24 │ Turnovers 14

Hobart Chargers 76, Frankston Blues 77 (Final)

Hutchins School – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Hobart 39–29

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Hobart 21–16, 18–13, 19–28, 18–20
• Hobart led by 10 at halftime before Frankston surged in the third (28–19).
• Frankston controlled the glass 49–36, including 20 rebounds from Louise Brown.
• Hobart hit 10 threes, but Frankston’s interior scoring and rebounding proved decisive.

Frankston Blues overturned a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat Hobart Chargers 77–76 at Hutchins School on March 28. Hobart controlled the first half, but Frankston’s third-quarter run flipped momentum, and the Blues held on in a tight fourth to secure the one-point win.

Louise Brown led Frankston with 23 points and 20 rebounds, while Emily Monaghan added 13 points. Sophie Alexander contributed 12 points off the bench, and Pahlyss Hokianga added eight points and three assists.

Sharna Thompson led Hobart with 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Chloe Broomhall added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Tishara Morehouse contributed 13 points and six assists, and Indiah Bowyer added 10 points.

Top Performers

Hobart Chargers: Sharna Thompson – 25 points, eight rebounds
Frankston Blues: Louise Brown – 23 points, 20 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Hobart: FG 26-from-68 (38.2%) │ 3PT 10-from-34 (29.4%) │ FT 14-of-21 (66.7%) │ Rebounds 36 │ Assists 16 │ Turnovers 11
• Frankston: FG 30-from-67 (44.8%) │ 3PT 3-from-15 (20.0%) │ FT 14-of-23 (60.9%) │ Rebounds 49 │ Assists 11 │ Turnovers 19

Ballarat Miners 97, Bendigo Braves 76 (Final)

Selkirk Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Ballarat 49–43

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Ballarat 25–19, 24–24, 15–14, 33–19
• Ballarat broke the game open in the fourth quarter, outscoring Bendigo 33–19.
• Ballarat shot 47.6% from the field and hit 14 threes at 42.4%.
• Ballarat controlled the glass 55–35 and finished with 29 assists.

Ballarat Miners used a dominant fourth quarter and balanced offensive performance to defeat Bendigo Braves 97–76 at Selkirk Stadium on March 28. After a competitive first half, Ballarat lifted its defensive pressure and shot-making in the final period to create separation and secure the win.

Malia Fisher led Ballarat with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Laura Taylor added 18 points, hitting 6-from-10 from three. Elissa Brett also scored 18 points, and Constance Hobby contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds. Abigail Wehrung finished with a triple-double line of 10 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.

Kelsey Griffin led Bendigo with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Olivia Pollerd added 19 points. Kelly Wilson recorded 11 points and 13 assists, and Mia Harvey contributed 13 points.

Top Performers

Ballarat Miners: Malia Fisher – 23 points, nine rebounds
Bendigo Braves: Kelsey Griffin – 20 points, nine rebounds

By the Numbers

• Ballarat: FG 39-from-82 (47.6%) │ 3PT 14-from-33 (42.4%) │ FT 5-of-8 (62.5%) │ Rebounds 55 │ Assists 29 │ Turnovers 9
• Bendigo: FG 27-from-67 (40.3%) │ 3PT 9-from-31 (29.0%) │ FT 13-of-23 (56.5%) │ Rebounds 35 │ Assists 23 │ Turnovers 9

Dandenong Rangers 75, Casey Cavaliers 87 (Final)

Dandenong Basketball Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Casey 53–40

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Dandenong 21–21, 19–32, 17–21, 18–13
• Casey took control in the second quarter, outscoring Dandenong 32–19.
• Casey shot 41.6% from the field and hit 11 threes, while limiting Dandenong to 36.2% shooting.
• Dandenong held a rebounding edge 50–45, but Casey’s scoring efficiency proved decisive.

Casey Cavaliers used a dominant second quarter and balanced scoring to defeat Dandenong Rangers 87–75 at Dandenong Basketball Stadium on March 28. After an even opening period, Casey created separation before halftime and maintained control through the second half.

Sharne Robati led Casey with 25 points and 13 rebounds on efficient shooting, while Nyaduoth Lok added 23 points and nine rebounds. Dallas Loughridge contributed 17 points and six assists, and Vanessa Tavete added 11 points off the bench.

Manuela Puoch led Dandenong with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Holly Griffiths added 13 points and six rebounds. Catherine MacGregor also contributed 12 points.

Top Performers

Dandenong Rangers: Manuela Puoch – 19 points, 13 rebounds
Casey Cavaliers: Sharne Robati – 25 points, 13 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Dandenong: FG 25-from-69 (36.2%) │ 3PT 10-from-30 (33.3%) │ FT 15-of-27 (55.6%) │ Rebounds 50 │ Assists 12 │ Turnovers 18
• Casey: FG 32-from-77 (41.6%) │ 3PT 11-from-32 (34.4%) │ FT 12-of-14 (85.7%) │ Rebounds 45 │ Assists 17 │ Turnovers 9

Diamond Valley Eagles 103, Eltham Wildcats 95 (Final)

Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Diamond Valley 62–40

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Diamond Valley 32–24, 30–16, 14–32, 27–23
• Diamond Valley exploded for 62 first-half points to build a decisive lead.
• Eltham responded with a 32-point third quarter, but couldn’t fully close the gap.
• Diamond Valley shot 51.4% from the field and hit 15 threes.

Diamond Valley Eagles held off a second-half surge from Eltham Wildcats to secure a 103–95 win at Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness Centre on March 28. A dominant first half created separation, and despite Eltham’s third-quarter push, Diamond Valley maintained control late.

Abbey Ellis led Diamond Valley with 28 points, including seven three-pointers, while Alex Sharp and Erin Riley added 20 points each. Tayha Watkins contributed 15 points and six assists.

Lil Dart was outstanding for Eltham with 37 points, while Rebecca Pizzey recorded a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Mackenzie Smith added 15 points.

Top Performers

Diamond Valley Eagles: Abbey Ellis – 28 points, 10 rebounds
Eltham Wildcats: Lil Dart – 37 points

By the Numbers

• Diamond Valley: FG 37-from-72 (51.4%) │ 3PT 15-from-34 (44.1%) │ FT 14-of-22 (63.6%) │ Rebounds 45 │ Assists 19 │ Turnovers 12
• Eltham: FG 36-from-75 (48.0%) │ 3PT 17-from-39 (43.6%) │ FT 6-of-9 (66.7%) │ Rebounds 34 │ Assists 20 │ Turnovers 9

Ringwood Hawks 76, Mt Gambier Pioneers 98 (Final)

The Rings – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Mt Gambier 62–49

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Ringwood 27–26, 22–36, 6–20, 21–16
• Mt Gambier took control in the middle quarters, outscoring Ringwood 56–28 across the second and third.
• Mt Gambier shot 48.1% from the field and 44.4% from three.
• Ringwood shot 36.8% overall and 24.2% from deep.

Mt Gambier Pioneers used a dominant second and third quarter to defeat Ringwood Hawks 98–76 at The Rings on March 28. After a tight opening term, the Pioneers created separation before halftime and then broke the game open with a 20–6 third quarter to put the result beyond doubt.

Grace Champion led Mt Gambier with 21 points off the bench, while Ti’Ian Boler added 20 points and hit 6-from-8 from three. Carla Pitman finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, and Lara Edmanson contributed 17 points.

Emma Clarke led Ringwood with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Taylor Mole added 20 points and nine rebounds. Honey Kaur contributed 19 points.

Top Performers

Ringwood Hawks: Emma Clarke – 22 points, 11 rebounds
Mt Gambier Pioneers: Grace Champion – 21 points

By the Numbers

• Ringwood: FG 28-from-76 (36.8%) │ 3PT 8-from-33 (24.2%) │ FT 12-of-16 (75.0%) │ Rebounds 42 │ Assists 16 │ Turnovers 11
• Mt Gambier: FG 38-from-79 (48.1%) │ 3PT 12-from-27 (44.4%) │ FT 10-of-16 (62.5%) │ Rebounds 50 │ Assists 25 │ Turnovers 11

Keilor Thunder 79, Knox Raiders 78 (Final)

Keilor Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Keilor 46–30

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Keilor 27–15, 19–15, 18–26, 15–22
• Keilor built a 16-point halftime lead before Knox surged late.
• Knox outscored Keilor 48–33 in the second half, falling just short.
• Keilor controlled the glass 51–46 and got to the line 27 times.

Keilor Thunder held off a late Knox Raiders comeback to secure a 79–78 win at Keilor Stadium on March 28. After a dominant first half, Keilor saw their lead trimmed across the second half before closing out a one-point victory.

Maddison Rocci delivered a standout performance with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, controlling the game offensively. Lara McSpadden added 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Isobelle Wightman contributed 12 points on efficient shooting.

Kristy Wallace led Knox with 18 points, while Alicia Froling recorded 18 points and 18 rebounds. Taylah Simmons added 15 points, including three triples.

Top Performers

Keilor Thunder: Maddison Rocci – 37 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists
Knox Raiders: Alicia Froling – 18 points, 18 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Keilor: FG 28-from-71 (39.4%) │ 3PT 3-from-14 (21.4%) │ FT 20-of-27 (74.1%) │ Rebounds 51 │ Assists 12 │ Turnovers 9
• Knox: FG 27-from-72 (37.5%) │ 3PT 10-from-22 (45.5%) │ FT 14-of-26 (53.8%) │ Rebounds 46 │ Assists 14 │ Turnovers 10

Northern Force 82, Nunawading Spectres 98 (Final)

Elphin Sports Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Nunawading 54–34

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Northern Force 15–20, 19–34, 13–24, 35–20
• Nunawading controlled the first three quarters, building a 20-point halftime lead.
• Northern Force rallied with a 35-point fourth quarter, but the deficit was too large.
• Nunawading shot 45.5% from the field and 83.9% from the free-throw line.

Nunawading Spectres established early control and withstood a late Northern Force surge to secure a 98–82 win at Elphin Sports Stadium on March 28. A dominant middle stretch across the second and third quarters created separation before Northern Force mounted a late push.

Riley Lupfer led Nunawading with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Eliza Hollingsworth added 22 points and 12 rebounds. Rachel Antoniadou contributed 16 points and 10 assists.

Keely Froling led Northern Force with 36 points and 14 rebounds, carrying the offensive load throughout. Rebekka Kalaydjiev added eight points and eight assists.

Top Performers

Northern Force: Keely Froling – 36 points, 14 rebounds
Nunawading Spectres: Riley Lupfer – 24 points, 10 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Northern Force: FG 30-from-74 (40.5%) │ 3PT 10-from-30 (33.3%) │ FT 12-of-17 (70.6%) │ Rebounds 43 │ Assists 21 │ Turnovers 20
• Nunawading: FG 30-from-66 (45.5%) │ 3PT 12-from-32 (37.5%) │ FT 26-of-31 (83.9%) │ Rebounds 38 │ Assists 19 │ Turnovers 12

Ballarat Miners 74, Diamond Valley Eagles 84 (Final)

Selkirk Stadium – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Diamond Valley 50–33

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Ballarat 19–28, 14–22, 18–20, 23–14
• Diamond Valley built a 17-point halftime lead and controlled the first three quarters.
• Ballarat responded late, outscoring Diamond Valley 23–14 in the fourth, but couldn’t close the gap.
• Diamond Valley dominated the glass 48–40 and generated consistent scoring balance.

Diamond Valley Eagles controlled the early tempo and held off a late Ballarat Miners push to secure an 84–74 win at Selkirk Stadium on March 29. A strong first half created separation, with Diamond Valley maintaining composure down the stretch despite Ballarat’s fourth-quarter surge.

Abbey Ellis led Diamond Valley with 31 points and 11 rebounds, while Erin Riley added 14 points and eight assists. Alex Sharp and Victoria Ikenasio both contributed 12 points.

Constance Hobby led Ballarat with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Malia Fisher added 18 points and eight rebounds. Abigail Wehrung recorded 13 points and 10 assists.

Top Performers

Ballarat Miners: Constance Hobby – 22 points, 12 rebounds
Diamond Valley Eagles: Abbey Ellis – 31 points, 11 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Ballarat: FG 28-from-70 (40.0%) │ 3PT 8-from-25 (32.0%) │ FT 10-of-12 (83.3%) │ Rebounds 40 │ Assists 23 │ Turnovers 15
• Diamond Valley: FG 33-from-79 (41.8%) │ 3PT 11-from-34 (32.4%) │ FT 7-of-11 (63.6%) │ Rebounds 48 │ Assists 19 │ Turnovers 14

Melbourne Tigers 77, Mt Gambier Pioneers 95 (Final)‍

Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Mt Gambier 62–28

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Melbourne 11–27, 17–35, 25–22, 24–11
• Mt Gambier built a 34-point halftime lead and controlled the game early.
• Melbourne responded in the second half, outscoring Mt Gambier 49–33 after halftime, but the gap was too large.
• Mt Gambier dominated the glass 52–30 and shot efficiently across all four quarters.

Mt Gambier Pioneers controlled the contest from the opening tip, building a decisive first-half margin before holding off a late Melbourne Tigers push to secure a 95–77 win at MSAC on March 29. A dominant second quarter (35–17) created separation, with the Pioneers maintaining composure despite a stronger Melbourne second half.

Lara Edmanson led Mt Gambier with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Ti’Ian Boler added 21 points. Kelsey Rees contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in a balanced performance, and Carla Pitman finished with 15 points and six assists.

Hannah Giddey led Melbourne with 26 points on 13-from-23 shooting, while Isabella Brancatisano added 21 points and eight assists. Tylah Hooper chipped in 12 points.

Top Performers

Melbourne Tigers: Hannah Giddey – 26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Mt Gambier Pioneers: Lara Edmanson – 23 points, 13 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Melbourne: FG 33-from-75 (44.0%) | 3PT 6-from-18 (33.3%) | FT 5-of-13 (38.5%) | Rebounds 30 | Assists 20 | Turnovers 14
• Mt Gambier: FG 36-from-68 (52.9%) | 3PT 7-from-19 (36.8%) | FT 16-of-25 (64.0%) | Rebounds 52 | Assists 20 | Turnovers 17

Waverley Falcons 60, Sandringham Sabres 71 (Final)‍

Waverley Basketball Centre – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Waverley 32–30

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Waverley 21–12, 11–18, 14–16, 14–25
• Waverley led early before Sandringham flipped control with a strong second and third quarter.
• Sandringham closed with a 25–14 fourth quarter to break the game open.
• The Sabres shot efficiently at 50.9% from the field and controlled the defensive glass.

Sandringham Sabres absorbed Waverley’s early pressure before taking control after halftime, pulling away late for a 71–60 win at Waverley Basketball Centre on March 29. A dominant fourth quarter proved decisive, with Sandringham’s execution and efficiency separating the teams down the stretch.

Funda Nakkasoglu led Sandringham with 24 points, hitting four threes, while Klara Wischer added 14 points and 12 rebounds. Isis Lopes contributed 12 points, and Lucy Cochrane chipped in 10 points and six rebounds.

Millicent McCarthy led Waverley with 17 points and eight assists, while Sophia Locandro added 15 points and seven rebounds. Tayla Dalton contributed nine points, eight rebounds and four steals.

Top Performers

Waverley Falcons: Millicent McCarthy – 17 points, 8 assists
Sandringham Sabres: Funda Nakkasoglu – 24 points

By the Numbers

• Waverley: FG 23-from-77 (29.9%) | 3PT 4-from-23 (17.4%) | FT 10-of-14 (71.4%) | Rebounds 44 | Assists 17 | Turnovers 17
• Sandringham: FG 29-from-57 (50.9%) | 3PT 5-from-13 (38.5%) | FT 8-of-13 (61.5%) | Rebounds 41 | Assists 13 | Turnovers 27