DJ set for Eagles' finals charge

Adelaide 36ers star big man Daniel Johnson was back for the Forestville Eagles on Saturday night and fired his side to a second-place finish in the NBL1 Central conference.

Johnson, who returned midweek after claiming a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, had 16 points and six rebounds as the Eagles downed Eastern Mavericks 90-71 to lock in second spot on the standings.

Forestville had to beat the Mavericks to keep their second-place status and will now host South Adelaide Panthers in the men’s qualifying final at Wayville Stadium on Saturday from 8pm.

The 212cm centre is averaging 20.75 points and 9.75 rebounds per game for the Eagles in eight matches this season and will be the key force behind Forestville’s championship tilt.

Bragging rights will be on the line Saturday night in Mackay when Kyrin Galloway’s Meteors face Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic and the Northside Wizards in the NBL1 North finals series.

The Wizards are the form team in the conference, winning their past four matches, including another double header delight on the weekend, to qualify in seventh spot.

Drmic scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds and McCarron had a near triple double with seven points, eight rebounds and eight assists as Northside beat Brisbane Capitals 101-77 on Saturday night.

McCarron scored 23 points and Drmic added 17 points to go with 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals as Northside wrapped up their playoff spot with a 95-75 win against Rip City on Sunday afternoon.

Northside will go to Mackay to face a Meteors team coming off a 30-point loss to Darwin Salties.

Galloway had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Mackay, but the Meteors couldn’t recover from a a 32-17 opening quarter burst from the NBL1 newcomers as the Salties prevailed 93-63.

Nick Marshall made three clutch free throws in the final minutes as Mount Gambier Pioneers fought back from a seven-point three quarter time deficit to beat Know Raiders 81-80 on Saturday night.

Marshall finished with 18 points and eight rebounds as the Pioneers moved back up to second spot with one round of NBL1 South to go.

Pictures courtesy of Kelly Barnes, Kieron Place Art & Photography