Talya Brugler anchors Norths in unbeaten start

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Talya Brugler and Zoey Miller set the tone in Round 3 as Norths Bears stayed unbeaten and Manly Warringah stacked two wins to build pressure at the top of the 2026 NBL1 East women’s ladder.

Brugler’s inside scoring anchored Norths across four quarters, while Miller and Manly’s depth broke games early across the weekend. Across the round, margins opened quickly, with multiple teams unable to recover once the tempo lifted.

Round 4 now shifts to whether Norths can hold control against stronger offence and whether Manly’s scoring pace carries against more organised resistance.

What the Round Told Us

• Brugler gives Norths a reliable interior scorer when games settle
• Miller and Manly stretch teams early — scoring comes in runs
• Top group forming — Norths and Manly separating
• Lower teams struggling once games break open

Manly Warringah runs early in 123–47, 110–57 wins over Inner West, Penrith

Manly didn’t let either game develop.

They scored 123 on Saturday and followed with 110 on Sunday. Both games were decided early, with runs in the first half that forced opponents to play from behind immediately.

Inner West and Penrith couldn’t match the pace or scoring spread. Manly kept pushing in transition, moved the ball, and continued to find open shots without needing to slow the game.

Across the weekend, the pattern held — fast starts, scoreboard pressure, no let-up.

Key Performers

• Balanced scoring across both games
• Transition scoring created separation
• Back-to-back wins with 100+ points

Why It Matters

Manly is setting the tempo of games.

• 233 total points across the round
• Two early blowouts
• No reliance on late-game execution

They’re forcing teams to respond early — and most aren’t.

Norths Bears stays controlled in 84–65 win over Sutherland Sharks – Watch the Replay

Quarter Scores: 26–19, 17–15, 24–16, 17–15

Talya Brugler had 23 points and 10 rebounds and set the tone inside as Norths controlled the game from the first quarter.

Norths led at every break. They didn’t need a run — they stayed organised, moved the ball, and generated enough scoring each quarter to keep the margin steady.

Brugler scored in the paint and on the glass, Caitlyn Martin added 15 points and eight assists, and the Bears finished with 25 assists as a group.

Sutherland stayed within reach early but couldn’t string stops together to change the flow.

Key Performers

• Talya Brugler – 23 points, 10 rebounds
• Caitlyn Martin – 15 points, 8 assists
• Emma Donnelly – 11 points

Why It Matters

Norths didn’t need to chase the game.

• Led every quarter
• 25 team assists

The Ladder After Round 3

• Norths Bears – 1st
• Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – 2nd
• Maitland Mustangs – 3rd
• Newcastle Falcons – 4th
• Sydney Comets – 5th

Early shape:

• Two-team top tier forming
• Maitland and Newcastle behind
• Lower teams struggling to score

Other Results

• Maitland 77 def. Canberra 57
• Newcastle 75 def. Canberra 57
• Illawarra 78 def. Central Coast 62
• Sydney Comets 70 def. Penrith 56
• Albury-Wodonga 75 def. Hills 53
• Bankstown 87 def. Hornsby 71

Round 4 Watchlist

Sydney Comets vs Norths Bears

• Can Norths maintain control against a team that can score?
• First real test of their defensive structure

Albury-Wodonga Bandits vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

• Can Manly keep the same scoring pace on the road?
• Stronger resistance expected

Round 4 Questions

• Can Manly keep scoring at that level against better teams?
• Does Norths get pushed into a close game?
• Who separates behind the top two?
• Can lower teams find enough offence to stay competitive?