Vasiljevic on target as Falcons split double header

A red-hot shooting masterclass from DJ Vasiljevic was on full display for the Waverley Falcons across the Anzac Round double header across the NBL1 conferences.

Vasiljevic led the Falcons in scoring in both games as Waverley split their two games across the NBL1 South weekend, defeating Ringwood Hawks 95-83 at home on Saturday night, before falling to Keilor Thunder 107-101 on the road on Sunday afternoon.

The 190cm guard was everywhere for the Falcons against Ringwood, winning the Anzac Medal as the Falcons caught fire in the first half, taking a 52-34 lead into the main break and led by as much as 21 points in the third quarter before cruising to the 12-point success.

Vasiljevic scored a game-high 30 points to go with 11 rebounds and five assists while connecting on five from downtown.

Less than 24 hours later, Vasiljevic added 26 points with five assists and four rebounds as Waverley couldn’t overcome an opening quarter deficit to lose to the Thunder in a high-scoring contest.

Keilor opened a 35-23 lead at quarter time and as hard as the Falcons tried, the Thunder kept their initial margin for the majority of the match for the six-point victory.

Waverley face a double header at home in Round 5, playing Dandenong Rangers on Tuesday night before a battle against Bendigo Braves on Saturday night.

In Mount Gambier, Nick Marshall scored a game-high 35 points, but the Pioneers also lost to Keilor Thunder 95-83 on Friday night.

The 198cm swingman tried gallantly to lift the Pioneers, but Keilor exploded after half time, a 25-10 third quarter the catalyst to the 13-point win.

Marshall’s 35 points came from off of 15 of 23 shooting from the field and included nine rebounds, three assists.

Mount Gambier is on the road for Round Five, travelling to Geelong on Saturday night, before a battle against the Braves in Bendigo on Sunday afternoon.

In NBL1 North, Jason Cadee continues to fill the stats sheet for Gold Coast, but the Rollers lost their second straight game of the season last round.

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Cadee had a game-high 33 points to go with eight assists and five rebounds, but the Rollers lost 115-97 to Darwin Salties at Marrara Recreation Centre in the Top End on Saturday night.

The Rollers stuck with the hosts for a majority of the first three quarters, but the Salties used a 33-24 final quarter avalanche to run out 15-point winners.

Gold Coast, who now sit at 2-2 in seventh position on the standings, have a bye this weekend but then will be back on home court to face Northside Wizards at Carrara Stadium on May 11.

Across in NBL1 West, Sunday Dech scored 18 points, dished six assists, grabbed five rebounds and had four steals for East Perth Eagles in their 87-85 loss to Willetton Tigers on Saturday night.

The Eagles led by five points with 10 minutes to play after recovering from an early 11-point deficit, but Willetton were too strong in the final quarter, outscoring East Perth 25-18.

East Perth, who now sit at 2-4 and are in 10^th position in the standings, are back at home this weekend when the Eagles battle Mandurah Magic at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday night.