5
May
North Women
Basham explodes as Cairns assert control in Round 3
Cairns Dolphins star Brooke Basham scored 36 points in her dominant Round 3 performance against Northside. Photo: Melissa Belanic (@justbphotoau)
Brooke Basham explodes for Cairns as Spartans upset Brisbane in 2026 NBL1 North Round 3 action
- WNBL stars add 'Fire' to NBL1 rosters in 2026
- Scores of NBL players flood NBL1 rosters in 2026
- How to watch every NBL1 game LIVE and FREE
- NBL1 Ladder
Cairns Dolphins reinforced their status as the team to beat, while Southern Districts Spartans delivered the biggest result of Round 3 with a narrow win over Brisbane Capitals.
What the Round Told Us
- Cairns are the clear benchmark – unbeaten and dominant
- Southern Districts can beat top-tier teams under pressure
- Star power is driving outcomes across the league
- Brisbane are vulnerable in close games
- Offensive efficiency remains the key separator
Game of the Round #1
Southern Districts Spartans 84 def. Brisbane Capitals 81 – Watch the Replay
Jessica McDowell-White delivered a dominant 28-point, 14-rebound performance, leading Southern Districts Spartans to a three-point win over Brisbane Capitals.
This was the most competitive game of the round – a high-possession contest that stayed within reach across all four quarters.
Southern Districts built early control, scoring 29 points in the opening quarter, before Brisbane worked back into the game through second-half adjustments.
McDowell-White anchored the Spartans on both ends, combining scoring efficiency with rebounding presence to stabilise the game in key moments.
She had strong support across the lineup. Majella Carey added 17 points, while Abby Solway contributed 16 points, giving Southern Districts consistent scoring options.
Brisbane had its own standout performance. Ashley Harris finished with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Tyla Stolberg added 19 points, keeping the Capitals within striking distance.
The difference came in execution. Southern Districts shot 41.4% from the field and generated just enough scoring late, while Brisbane’s 38.4% shooting limited their ability to complete the comeback.
Game Snapshot
- Quarter Scores: Spartans 29-22, 18-17, 15-23, 22-19
- Largest Lead: Spartans +11
- Game Context: Early Spartans control, Brisbane closed late but fell short
By the Numbers
- Southern Districts: 84 points - 47 rebounds - 10 made threes
- Brisbane: 81 points - Harris 26 pts, 14 reb - 38.4% FG
Game of the Round #2
Cairns Dolphins 93 def. Northside Wizards 73 – Watch the Replay
Brooke Basham exploded for 36 points, leading Cairns Dolphins to a dominant 20-point win to remain unbeaten.
Basham delivered one of the performances of the round, shooting 8-from-11 from three-point range, driving Cairns’ offensive output.
Cairns controlled the game through efficiency and ball movement. They shot 47.8% from the field and generated consistent scoring across all four quarters.
Basham was supported by a complete inside presence. Mia Loyd added 22 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, controlling the interior and facilitating offence.
Summah Evans contributed 13 points and five assists, as Cairns maintained balanced scoring beyond the headline performance.
Northside had moments but couldn’t sustain scoring. Grace Ellis led with 19 points and 12 rebounds, but the Wizards shot just 32.9% from the field, limiting their ability to stay competitive.
Cairns built separation early and maintained control, extending their unbeaten start and reinforcing their position at the top of the ladder.
Game Snapshot
- Quarter Scores: Cairns 26-23, 29-19, 24-14, 14-17
- Largest Lead: Cairns +22
- Game Context: Cairns built early lead and controlled throughout
By the Numbers
- Cairns: 93 points - Basham 36 pts - 47.8% FG
- Northside: 73 points - 32.9% FG - 14 turnovers
Other Results
- Mackay Meteorettes 93 def. Logan Thunder 78
Mackay secured a strong win over previously unbeaten Logan. - Cairns Dolphins 88 def. Sunshine Coast Phoenix 68
Cairns completed a dominant double-header weekend. - Mackay Meteorettes 90 def. Ipswich Force 66
Mackay continued consistent form across the round. - Gold Coast Rollers 78 def. North Gold Coast Seahawks 61
Gold Coast controlled a lower-scoring contest.
Women’s Ladder – After Round 3
- Cairns Dolphins – unbeaten
- Mackay Meteorettes – strong form
- Brisbane Capitals – 3-1
- Logan Thunder – 2-1
Watchlist – Round 4
- Cairns vs Townsville – top-tier test
- Mackay vs Brisbane – major ladder implications
- Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast – contrasting styles
- Ipswich vs Logan – response game
Round 3 Questions
- Can anyone challenge Cairns’ dominance?
- How will Brisbane respond to a close loss?
- Is Mackay the most consistent challenger?
- Which team breaks out of the mid-table pack?
