28
Jul
South Men
Former NBA big man pushes Knox to victory
Norvel Pelle slams one home in win against Eltham. Photo: pics.by.tre
NBL1 South Conference: Finals Week 1 — July 27, 2025
- Ben Ayre explodes for 36 points as Sandringham defeats Hobart 111-98
- Joe Palmer's outstanding 27-point, nine-rebound performance leads Mt Gambier to 36-point victory
- Jack Purchase and Harrison Froling each record double-doubles in Melbourne's win against Ballarat
- Get Bounce Pass: How to watch every single 2025 NBL1 game live and free
Sandringham 111 def Hobart 98 — Watch the Replay
Ben Ayre delivered a masterful 36-point performance as Sandringham defeated Hobart 111-98 at Southern Basketball Stadium. Ayre was outstanding, shooting 11-from-20 from the field including 4-from-8 from deep, and a perfect 10-from-10 at the free throw line. Malith Machar added 25 points on an efficient 10-from-14 shooting for the winners.
Despite the loss, William Cranston-Lown kept Hobart competitive with 27 points and seven assists, while Jacob Richards contributed 18 points. Sandringham dominated from long range, shooting 42.9 percent from three-point territory compared to Hobart's dismal 23.1 percent. The home team led for over 35 minutes of the contest and pushed their advantage to as many as 24 points during a commanding performance.
Melbourne 89 def Ballarat 77 — Watch the Replay
Jack Purchase recorded a stellar 27-point, nine-rebound performance as Melbourne secured an 89-77 victory over Ballarat at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. Purchase knocked down 4-from-10 from long range while Harrison Froling dominated inside with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds to go with three assists.
Nicholas Stoddart led all Ballarat scorers with 27 points on 8-from-14 shooting, while Majok Majok recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Melbourne was efficient from inside the arc, converting 63.3 percent of their two-point attempts, while also showcasing their discipline at the charity stripe by making 27-from-31 free throws (87.1 percent). The home team controlled the game for over 31 minutes and led by as many as 18 points.
Knox 72 def Eltham 67 — Watch the Replay
Norvel Pelle delivered a dominant double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds as Knox edged Eltham 72-67 in a defensive battle at State Basketball Centre. Pelle was a force in the paint with four blocks, while Keli Leaupepe added 16 points and seven rebounds, and Brody Nunn contributed 14 points and seven assists.
Joshua Sykes led Eltham with 17 points, while Sam Short and Gabe Hadley each added 12 points in the losing effort. The contest featured 23 lead changes and eight ties, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the game. Knox dominated the glass, outrebounding Eltham 53-34, which proved decisive in the close encounter. The visitors shot 53.3 percent on two-point field goals and held Eltham to just 36.5 percent shooting overall.
Mt Gambier 97 def Kilsyth 61 — Watch the Replay
Joe Palmer delivered an exceptional all-around performance with 27 points, nine rebounds and six assists as Mt Gambier crushed Kilsyth 97-61 at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre. Palmer was ultra-efficient, shooting 11-from-19 from the field, while Akech Aliir added 17 points on perfect 7-from-7 shooting including 2-from-2 from deep.
Dillon Stith was the lone bright spot for Kilsyth with 25 points including 5-from-8 from three-point range, but received little support as the visitors shot just 33.3 percent from the field. Mt Gambier dominated in all facets of the game, shooting 55.2 percent overall while controlling the paint with a 48-26 scoring advantage inside. The Pioneers' balanced attack featured 21 assists to just 11 turnovers, while forcing Kilsyth into 20 turnovers which they converted into 14 points.
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