Friday night at McDonald's Mackay Stadium saw some exciting QBL action to keep the fans on the edge of their seats, as the local teams pitted themselves against USC Rip City.

First up the Global Product Search Meteorettes took to the floor for the first time without their 2 NZ representatives, Micaela Cocks and Chevy Paalvast, who are away on national team duty.

The first quarter was fairly even before the Meteorettes managed to get a small break of 6 points at the buzzer. The second was similar to the first as the local ladies managed to extend their lead out to 46-35 at the long break. The third quarter proved to be decisive as the Meteorettes started to take advantage of some fast break opportunities and land a few long bombs to lead by 20 points at 3 quarter time. The last stanza went bucket for bucket but the lead was too much for the Rip to get back and The Global Product Search Meteorettes ended up victors to the tune of 96-79. Several girls stepped up in the absence of the NZ internationals:

Jacqui Zelenka had a game high 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, Nadeen Payne returned 20 points and 14 rebounds and Tami Willey had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Aside from these stars, Kelsey McDermott, Jillian (The birthday girl) Haughton and Denesha Bobongie added sparks in the win.

The late game was a cracker featuring two 1 loss teams on the mens QBL ladder. The McDonald's Meteors new going in it would be a tough contest, expecially with Lucas Walker away in China with the NBL All Australian team.

The game certainly lived up to the hype from the start with both teams trading buckets in a high quality contest leaving the Meteors up by 4 points at quarter time. The local lads managed to stifle the Rip in the second quarter only giving up 14 points as they managed a 53-43 half time advantage.

The third quarter was to and fro for the most part, with both teams having key personnel sidelined with foul trouble. The McDonald's Meteors managed to extend their lead to 16 by three quarter time thanks to a buzzer beating three from Brad Rasmussen.

The Rip came roaring back in the last quarter with Isiah Tueta landing 3 huge long range bombs as the managed to cut the Meteors lead back to 3 points with a minute to play. Cool heads prevailed with Chris Cedar and Shaun Bruce calmly slotting free throws at the end to land a 103-96 victory for the Meteors and sending the local fans home happy.

Chris Cedar starred with 26 points, Cam Tragardh was at his mercurial best landing 10-14 shots for his 25 points and 9 rebounds, Shaun Bruce had 21 points and 8 assists and Brad Rasmussen was a standout hitting big shots at crucial times for 15 points and 6 boards. Another positive for the McDonald's Meteors was the return of high flying TJ Diop, who will only benefit from the time on court.

Both Mackay teams are on the road next weekend in Cairns and Townsville and return to the crater on Friday 21 July for the visit of the Brisbane Capitals