Gabe Hadley detonates for 38 as Eltham falls in a thriller

• Gabe Hadley detonates for 38 as Eltham falls in a thriller
• Jacob Richards’ 36 powers Hobart past Keilor in a high-scoring clash
• Mt Gambier crushes Waverley by 32 with six double-figure scorers

This round saw individual brilliance with Gabe Hadley’s 38, Jacob Richards’ 36, and Tristan Forsyth’s 31, but also showcased dominant team efforts from Mt Gambier and Hobart. As the ladder tightens, every win and standout performance is magnified, promising more drama in the weeks ahead.

Eltham vs Nunawading

Brisbane Capitals signing Gabe Hadley delivered a stellar 38-point performance, but Eltham were edged 95-91 by Nunawading at Nunawading Basketball Centre. Hadley was outstanding, shooting 14-from-25 from the field and adding five boards and five dimes. Joshua Sykes contributed a double-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and four swats. For Nunawading, Jack Gandolfo led the way with 25 points, while Cameron Cranston posted a double-double of 19 points and 11 boards, hitting five triples.

This contest featured 33 lead changes and remained tight until the final minute. Nunawading’s dominance on the glass (53 to 42 rebounds) and 12 made triples proved decisive. The Spectres’ balanced attack, with four players in double-digits, helped them secure a crucial win and maintain momentum in the standings.

Casey vs Knox

Tyler Robertson paced Casey with 30 points—shooting 9-from-20 and 6-from-12 from downtown—as the Cavaliers defeated Knox 85-73 at State Basketball Centre. Nate Roberts was dominant inside, collecting a 17-point, 15-rebound double-double, while Ben Waller added 12 points off the bench. Sunday Dech led Knox with 22 points, 8 boards, and three triples.

Casey controlled the tempo, leading for over 35 minutes and limiting Knox to just 34 percent shooting from the field. The Cavaliers’ interior presence (51 rebounds to 49) and 10 blocks stifled the Raiders, who struggled to find rhythm outside of Dech. The win keeps Casey firmly in the hunt near the top of the conference.

Geelong vs NW Tasmania

Tristan Forsyth powered Geelong to an 86-82 win against NW Tasmania at Elphin Sports Stadium with a dominant 31-point, 13-rebound double-double, shooting an efficient 13-from-20. Demarcus Gatlin contributed 21 points, eight boards, and nine dimes, while Marach Marach chipped in 13 off the bench. NW Tasmania’s attack was led by Lachlan Barker and Kye Savage, both scoring 19, with Tre Armstrong adding 14 and four triples.

The game saw 32 lead changes and remained close throughout. Geelong’s inside presence (52 points in the paint) and bench contributions made the difference, despite NW Tasmania’s 13 triples at a solid 36 percent clip. Geelong’s win lifts them above .500 and signals their intent as a contender.

Keilor vs Hobart

Jacob Richards exploded for 36 points and seven rebounds, leading Hobart to a 95-88 win against Keilor at South East Stadium. Richards was outstanding, shooting 11-from-20 from the field and 10-from-13 at the charity stripe. Anthony Drmic added 17 points, seven assists, and four steals, while Ambros Eugster was perfect from the field (6-from-6) for 12 points and six dimes. Keilor’s Daniel Poelsma poured in 24 points off the bench, with Ryan Philippe scoring 19.

Hobart’s offense was in full flow, shooting a solid 53 percent from the field and dishing 23 assists. The Chargers’ bench and second-chance points (15) gave them the edge in a contest with eight lead changes. Keilor’s 17 turnovers proved costly as Hobart held firm in the clutch.

Diamond Valley vs Ringwood

Adam Thoseby led Diamond Valley to a 79-75 win against Ringwood at Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness Centre with 18 points (6-from-10 shooting, three triples). Jock Perry was a force in the paint, notching a 17-point, 17-rebound double-double, while Jesse Ghee and Jesse McIntosh combined for 18 points. For Ringwood, Jonathan Lawton, Josh Tomasi, and Angus Glover each scored 14.

Diamond Valley’s balanced attack and edge on the glass (44 to 43 rebounds) proved crucial in a game with 27 lead changes. Ringwood struggled from deep, hitting just 20 percent of their attempts. The win keeps Diamond Valley in the playoff mix as the season heats up.

Mt Gambier @ Waverley

Mt Gambier delivered a statement win, crushing Waverley 105-73 at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre. Alex Mudronja led the Pioneers with 23 points (10-from-14 shooting) and 11 boards, while six Mt Gambier players scored in double figures, including Kaden Archie (15), Austin Shelley (14), and Titus Robinson (14). For Waverley, DeJuan Clayton top-scored with 16.

The Pioneers dominated in every facet, shooting a superb 54 percent from the field and out-rebounding Waverley 52 to 35. Their 62 points in the paint and 18 points from turnovers highlighted their all-round effort. Mt Gambier’s 38-point lead at its peak underlined their dominance, keeping them at the top of the ladder