The Brisbane Capitals men’s SBL finals campaign came to a crashing holt last night in the semi-final game against the SASE Mambas at NAB Stadium, Auchenflower.

After securing the minor premiership before the season ended the Capitals could have been excused for going into the semi-final confident boasting an imposing 13 – 2 record and playing the fourth placed SASE Mambas with an 11 – 4 record.

But there is a fine line between confident and complaisant, and the Capitals started the game with more of the latter.

Despite both Josh Cunningham and big man Tom Malloy combining for 12 of the Capitals 18 first quarter points and the hosts enjoying an 18 – 11 lead at the first break, it was in the second period where the visitors went to work, pouring in 27 points for the period and at the main break, the scores were 38 – 37 to the visitors.

In the second half the Mambas were consistent in scoring 22 points in each quarter and at the end of the third period, the Capitals trailed 55-59 and the stage was set for an unlikely close finish.

However the boys from the Sunshine Coast weren’t phased by the occasion and stepped on the throats of the Capitals in the last period as the scoring opportunities dried up to just 7 points to run out 82 – 61 winners and book themselves a place in next weeks Grand Final against the Seahawks GC and end the Capitals season for 2013.

“Sure, of course it’s disappointing,” coach Michael Van Dongen.

“Actually, it’s shattering! I mean credit to Vern and his team, they were too good for us today, but it’s tough to lose from where we were and to do so the way we did tonight,” he added.

“There was just no fight in us, no one wanted to battle out there tonight except for the entire SASE team,” Van Dongen lamented.

The loss coupled with the Capitals women’s SBL team narrowly missing out on a playoff position effectively closes the 2013 Brisbane Capitals SBL campaign with just the MVP Awards Presentation in early September to go to officially end the season.

However, the Brisbane Capitals QBL men’s and women’s playoff campaign are set to begin next Saturday night at NAB Stadium, Auchenflower on Saturday night with times and opponents to be confirmed by Basketball Queensland early next the week.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page, Twitter account and Brisbane Basketball Inc. website for all confirmed times.

Corporate boxes with catering and premium drinks packages are available for the one off Finals Game next weekend, just give Big Joe a call on 0403 734 508 or email joe@basketballqld.net.au

For further information: qbl@brisbanebasketball.com.au