36ers stars still alive in NBL1 playoffs

Adelaide 36ers stars will be out to rebound in this week’s NBL1 finals after suffering opening round playoff defeats across the weekend.

In NBL1 South, the top-ranked Mount Gambier Pioneers, led by swingman Nick Marshall, went down 75-59 to Sandringham Sabres at Wulanda Recreation Centre on Saturday night.

The Pioneers were playing catch-up basketball for the entire contest, Marshall scoring eight points, dishing six assists and grabbing five rebounds in the 16-point loss.

Mount Gambier have a second chance and will host Eltham Wildcats this Saturday night in a must-win semi-final showdown, the winner to play Frankston Blues in the preliminary final.

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A team-high 22 points from Jacob Rigoni was not enough for Sturt Sabres, who went down 106-85 to Forestville Eagles in their NBL1 Central qualifying final at Springbank on Saturday night.

The Sabres too were playing catch-up after surrendering an early 10-point opening quarter deficit, Rigoni also hauling in six rebounds and big man Ben Griscti adding 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.

Sturt also has a double chance after finishing the regular season in second place and will host defending champion West Adelaide Bearcats in the first semi-final on Saturday night at Springbank.

The Eagles’ win sends Forestville to Mitchell Park where there will battle Woollacott Medal winner Alex Starling and the South Adelaide Panthers on Friday in the second semi-final.