Eastern Mavericks (0-10, 10th) v Central District Lions (4-6, 8th)
Saturday June 23, 8.15pm at Adelaide Hills

For the Eastern Mavericks and Central District Lions, someone will break their duck this week.

The Mavericks are still yet to win a game in 2012, after losing 71-93 to Forestville last week. They were remarkably within just five points at three quarter-time, but were blown away 10-27 in the fourth quarter. Former Rocket Ed Millard had 21 points in his first game for his new club, while Shane Breheny had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Mavericks have now lost 21 of their 23 games, dating back to early 2011.

Meanwhile, the Lions are yet to win away from Starplex this season. They are 4-2 at home, having won three straight in Gawler. Their 4-6 overall record sees them two games behind Forestville in the battle for fifth spot.

In Round 10, the Lions got off to a great start against Norwood, before holding on for an 85-78 triumph. Kyle Miller had 21 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, while Lachlan Parker (20 points, 9 rebounds) and Matthew Clarke (18 points, 4/8 3FG) were also pivotal players.

Back in Round 2, the Lions defeated the Mavericks 80-61. Miller had 35 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists in that match. The Lions’ last visit to the far-east also resulted in victory.

It will be a long trip for the Lions, but it should be a rewarding one.

Norwood Flames (5-5, 6th) v North Adelaide Rockets (7-2, 2nd)
Saturday June 23, 8.15pm at Mars

It is Round 11 in the CABL this week, and with 11 being an odd number, the Norwood Flames should be licking their lips ahead of their home clash with the North Adelaide Rockets.

The Flames’ results pattern has been incredible this season, with neither back-to-back wins nor losses. They have won on every odd week, but lost on all the even rounds, including a disappointing June 16 against Centrals.

The Flames were outscored 12-25 in the first quarter and could not mount a serious fightback. Keith Krause (27 points, 7 rebounds), Brian Moultrie (17 points, 19 rebounds) and Matthew Lycett (15 points, 3 rebounds) were the Flames’ top scorers. The loss means the Flames are still sixth with a 5-5 record, having blown a chance to keep pace with the top five.

The Rockets, in contrast, have been doing everything right in order to finish as high up the ladder as possible. They are 7-2 and in second position, having won three straight games.

It was not until the fourth quarter that the Rockets put the Tigers away in last week’s clash, however, they got the job done all the same. Pero Vasilijevic was particularly outstanding with 31 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. No other Rocket scored in double figures, although Brandon Brine had 15 rebounds to go with his 8 points.

The last time these teams met, the Rockets produced a scintillating 105-60 victory. The Rockets have also won their last two at Mars.

However, the Jekyll-and-Hyde Flames sure know how to bounce back from defeat and the Rockets will need to be careful of complacency if they are to succeed.

Southern Tigers (2-8, 6th) v South Adelaide Panthers (4-6, 7th)
Saturday June 23, 8.15pm at Morphett Vale

The Southern Tigers and their import Tyler Tanis will be hoping lightning strikes for a second time when they greet the South Adelaide Panthers on Saturday.

The Tigers have won only two matches this season, but their last encounter with the Panthers was one to remember. Tanis scored a club-record 47 points, including 7/14 three-pointers, in the Tigers’ 108-91 win at Marion in Round 2. The Panthers’ Damian Scanlon was also magnificent offensively with 37 points.

A lot has changed since Round 2. The Tigers are just 1-7 since then, are winless at home despite their enormous advantage, and have not come close to cracking the hundred mark. Overall, they are 2-8, and sitting ninth.

The Panthers, on the other hand, came out of nowhere to win four consecutive games (right after that loss to the Tigers) which sent them to fourth on the ladder. However, the Panthers have been a different side again in the last four matches; a loss to Centrals and an 11 point fourth quarter in a four point defeat at home to Woodville the pick of the bunch. They have fallen to seventh on the ladder with a 4-6 record.

The Panthers also lost on their last trip to Morphett Vale, but will be desperate to get a W and keep pace with the top five.

Sturt Sabres (8-2, 1st) v Forestville Eagles (6-4, 5th)
Saturday June 23, 8.15pm at Pasadena

In one of the Matches of the Round, the Forestville Eagles will be hoping for a fourth consecutive win over the Sturt Sabres, who have won eight straight against their other rivals.

In Round 2, the Sabres could not keep pace with the faster Eagles’ transition game, losing 84-97. The Eagles had six double-figure scorers that night, while the Sabres relied on Tom Daly for their offence, with Tim Klaosen chipping in.

However, the Sabres have been the best team in the competition since that night, while the Eagles have been up-and-down. The Sabres asserted themselves as true premiership contenders last weekend, defeating West Adelaide 78-63. Trailing by two at half-time, the Sabres took charge with a 22-9 third quarter.

What is even better for the Sabres is they are developing more offensive options. Daly is still getting plenty of rebounds and assists, but despite not scoring as much the past couple of games, the Sabres are still winning in convincing fashion. Against the Bearcats, Klaosen had 27 points, while Darren Ng had a strong game with 20 points and 8 rebounds.

The Eagles would have been especially pleased with Majok Deng’s performance in their win over the Eastern Mavericks last week. Deng had a career-high 27 points on 9/11 shooting, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Rashad Tucker added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.

Deng’s 27 is the equal-most points scored by an Eagle this season, alongside Brad Haydon’s 27 (also against Eastern but in Round 1). Their ability to get points from all players has troubled the Sabres in the past.

This truly is anyone’s game – the Sabres will be confident due to their form, but the Eagles have nothing to fear with their strong recent record against their rivals.

Woodville Warriors (6-3, 4th) v West Adelaide Bearcats (7-3, 3rd)
Saturday June 23, 8.15pm at St Clair

In the other Match of the Round, the Woodville Warriors will be hoping to climb into the top three by defeating the West Adelaide Bearcats.

The Bearcats beat the Warriors earlier this season 73-66. Blake Truslove had 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Bearcats, while Zane Reeves registered 17 points and 6 rebounds for the Warriors. However, the Warriors beat the Bearcats twice in 2011, including a 75-70 triumph at St Clair.

After losing two out of three, the Warriors initially blew a substantial lead, then came from behind to beat South 81-77 at Marion. The Warriors had four double-figure scorers, led by Puff Summers’ 16 points, while Steve Pilkington had a game-high 16 rebounds to go with his 14 points.

Despite the best efforts of Howard Salters Jr (23 point, 7 rebounds, 5 steals), the Bearcats missed out on a chance to go top of the league with their 15 point loss at home to Sturt. Patrick Thomas added 11 points and 6 rebounds. The Bearcats have now dropped to third, just half a game above the Warriors and one over Forestville.

With so much to play for, expect a tough, tight, defensive game, with every point vital.

By James Woite