'Kop that!' Ant says BNE Capitals better than record

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The Ball Don't Lie crew welcomes Brisbane Capitals veteran Ant Kopcikas back to the show to break down late-season imports, the NBL1 North playoff race, Cairns' undefeated run and whether Mackay can hand Joel Khalu his first loss of 2026.

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New imports arrive late

• Ipswich unveils new import Stacey Jones just days before suiting up.
• Mackay adds Canadian Maurice Kulu, who impressed across multiple stat categories in his debut.
• Ant explains how difficult it is for imports arriving from overseas to immediately adjust to NBL1 North basketball.

Brisbane Capitals: Better than the record?

• Ant reflects on Brisbane's loss to Cairns.
• Says the scoreline flattered the Marlins and believes the Caps can challenge the top teams when healthy.
• Identifies rebounding and defensive rotations as the difference against the competition leaders.

The weirdest road trips in NBL1?

• The pair debate the bizarre scheduling quirks across NBL1 North.
• Cairns, Sunshine Coast and Townsville all face unusual travel combinations.
• Ant: "I don't know who drew up the schedule for this weekend, but that was some wild stuff."

Phoenix remain dangerous

• Brisbane faces Sunshine Coast twice in three games.
• Ant says the Phoenix's chemistry and continuity make them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
• Their biggest challenge? Finding a closer in crunch time.

Inside the Capitals under new coach Pat

• Ant discusses life under first-year head coach Pat.
• Praises his communication and willingness to listen to players.
• Reveals Brisbane is yet to have a fully healthy roster this season but expects reinforcements soon.

NBL1 North ladder tightening

• Cairns remain unbeaten and atop the standings.
• Gold Coast's offence is "on another planet".
• Eight teams are realistically in the playoff hunt with only a handful of rounds remaining.
• Ant compares the race to Southern Districts' championship run last season, when the Spartans got hot at exactly the right time.

🔮 Round 10 predictions

Ant's picks:

• Cairns over Townsville
• Brisbane over Sunshine Coast
• Ipswich over Southern Districts
• Logan over Southwest
• Mackay over Cairns
• Sunshine Coast over Southwest
• Gold Coast over Northside

Plus an unexpected prediction for State of Origin: "The Maroons are probably gonna get up on this one and make it fun for a final Game 3."

About Ball Don't Lie

Ball Don't Lie Australia has been covering the NBL1 North for multiple years. Host Mal Crawford is being joined weekly by current and former players, coaches, commentators, GMs to breakdown the North. With deep dives into games and team breakdowns across the league from as far south as Gold Coast, as north as Cairns and every team in between. Don’t forget predictions, side bets and of course some silly games along the way.

Mal Crawford has been hooked on basketball since being taken to his first junior comp when he was in Year 2 of primary school, by his basketball loving Mum. Mal is the play by play commentator of the Brisbane Capitals as well as the Ipswich Force. He can be heard on multiple Game of the week broadcasts on Kayo every season and has been called up to the NBL1 National finals as a commentator to boot. Mal has been covering North with Commentary and podcasting since the rebrand to the NBL1 North five seasons ago.

What to expect from Ball Don’t Lie Australia throughout the season:

• Breakdowns of the big games of the round
• Player and Coach interviews
• Predictions across the round, season
• Weekly ladder looks, whose up and whose down and why
• Fun Games such as ‘Crackem’, ‘Whose that teammate’ and others that listeners can play along with that put guests in the hot seat