13

Apr

South Men's Digest

Michael Harris explodes for 32 in 87-84 thriller

Written By

basketball.com.au

Michael Harris explodes for 32 in 87-84 thriller
Michael Harris explodes for 32 in 87-84 thriller

Frankston's Michael Harris scored 32 points in the Blues' three-point loss to Keilor Thunder. Photo: @sarahprettycreative

NBL1 South Round 3 on April 14, 2025: Keilor edges Frankston in three-point win

  • Jayce Beasley posts 23 points and 10 rebounds as Keilor edges Frankston in tight contest
  • Michael Harris erupts for 32 points despite Frankston's narrow defeat
  • Thomas Wilson scores 25 to lead Melbourne Tigers to victory over Dandenong Rangers

Keilor @ Frankston

Keilor Thunder (3-0) secured a thrilling 87-84 victory against Frankston Blues (1-2) at Keilor Stadium. Jayce Beasley delivered an outstanding performance with 23 points and 10 rebounds, shooting an efficient 8-from-15 from the field, while Deng Dut added 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Despite the loss, Frankston's Michael Harris exploded for a game-high 32 points on 11-from-25 shooting.

The contest featured 14 lead changes in a back-and-forth battle where neither team led by more than 11 points. Keilor's bench provided 35 points, creating a significant edge in the team's overall attack. The Thunder's three-point shooting proved decisive, connecting on 13-from-38 (34.2%) compared to Frankston's 8-from-27 (29.6%). Igor Hadziomerovic posted a double-double for Frankston with 23 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

Frankston's Michael Harris drives to the basket in the Blues' three-point loss to Keilor Thunder. Photo: @sarahprettycreative

Dandenong @ Melbourne

The Melbourne Tigers (2-1) overcame the Dandenong Rangers (1-2) 89-81 at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. Thomas Wilson led all scorers with 25 points while adding seven rebounds and six assists, as Jack Purchase contributed 19 points including five three-pointers. For Dandenong, Bryton Hobbs scored 22 points with perfect 7-from-7 free throw shooting in the loss.

Melbourne's balanced attack featured four players scoring in double figures, with Michael Wearne adding 18 points on an exceptional 7-from-12 shooting, including 3-from-4 from beyond the arc. The Tigers dominated the offensive glass with 14 offensive rebounds leading to 12 second-chance points, compared to just two for the Rangers. The contest remained close throughout with 27 lead changes and nine ties, but Melbourne's superior ball control (eight turnovers to Dandenong's 15) proved crucial down the stretch.

Diamond Valley @ Melbourne

The Melbourne Tigers secured a comfortable 78-62 victory against Diamond Valley Eagles at Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness Centre. Thomas Wilson delivered a spectacular performance with 33 points and 13 rebounds, while Mason Gaze contributed 14 points on efficient 54.5 percent shooting from the field.

Melbourne dominated the glass with a 49-43 rebounding advantage and established a 20-point lead at one stage. Despite Diamond Valley's 22 fast break points, the Eagles struggled with their shooting, connecting on just 33.8 percent from the field. Jock Perry was Diamond Valley's standout performer, recording a double-double with 16 points and 17 rebounds, while Adam Thoseby added 13 points and five assists in the losing effort.

Knox @ Waverley

The Knox Raiders delivered a commanding 110-79 victory against Waverley Falcons at State Basketball Centre. Keli Leaupepe led the offensive onslaught with 25 points on stellar 64.7 percent shooting from the field, adding six rebounds and three assists in a complete performance.

Knox showcased exceptional ball movement with 23 assists compared to Waverley's 13, while shooting a blistering 55.6 percent from the field, including 41.9 percent from three-point range. Ade Murkey contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals for the Raiders, who built their lead to as many as 33 points. Waverley was paced by Malik Meunier's 19 points and eight rebounds, but the Falcons couldn't overcome Knox's efficient offense and superior rebounding effort.

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