Blanchfield's 20-20 vision powers Hawks to 17pt win

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NBL25 champion Todd Blanchfield delivered 25 points and 20 rebounds as Illawarra Hawks defeated Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 97–80 in NBL1 East Men Round 1.

Veteran Blanchfield’s inside-outside control set the tone, with Illawarra establishing a decisive first-half lead and maintaining dominance across the glass.

Watch every replay in our Game Centre

NBL1 East Men — Top 5 Performances

1. Todd Blanchfield (Illawarra Hawks) — vs Hornsby Ku-ring-gai (Win 97–80)

25 pts │ 20 reb

Most dominant performance of the round. Controlled the glass at an elite level and dictated possession in a double-digit win.

2. Matthew Mims (Illawarra Hawks) — vs Hornsby Ku-ring-gai (Win 97–80)

27 pts │ 10 ast

Primary offensive engine in one of the most efficient team performances. Balanced scoring and playmaking to control tempo.

3. Lochlan Cummings (Albury-Wodonga Bandits) — vs Bankstown Bruins (Loss 96–107)

31 pts

Highest scoring East performance. Sustained offensive production in a high-possession game despite the result.

4. Jai Faale (BA Centre of Excellence) — vs Bankstown Bruins (Win 97–89)

26 pts │ 10-from-17 FG

Efficient scoring in a competitive game. Delivered consistent shot-making to maintain separation.

5. Emmanuel Tshimanga (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) — vs Canberra Gunners (Loss 75–80)

17 pts │ 23 reb

Elite rebounding performance. Completely controlled the glass (23 boards) and generated extra possessions despite the loss.

Canberra Gunners 80, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 75 (Final)

Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Canberra 37–32

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Canberra 21–17, 16–15, 20–17, 23–26
• Canberra led at every break and did enough late to hold off Manly Warringah’s final-quarter push.
• The Gunners were more efficient offensively, shooting 41.7% from the field to Manly Warringah’s 34.7%.
• Manly Warringah controlled the glass 52–36, but Canberra’s shot-making and lower turnover count proved decisive.

Canberra Gunners controlled the first three quarters and held on late to beat Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 80–75 at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre on March 28. Manly Warringah made a late push with a 26-point fourth quarter, but Canberra had already built enough separation.

William Mayfield led Canberra with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Theus Evan Wardlow added 14 points and four assists. Darnell Hoskins scored 13 points off the bench, James Toohey had 11 points and five rebounds, and Cameron Pender added 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Emmanuel Tshimanga led Manly Warringah with 17 points and 23 rebounds, while Quinn Slazinski added 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jack Giddens contributed 13 points and Stefan Valkovic finished with 11.

Top Performers

Canberra Gunners: William Mayfield – 18 points, seven rebounds
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: Emmanuel Tshimanga – 17 points, 23 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Canberra: FG 25-from-60 (41.7%) | 3PT 10-from-34 (29.4%) | FT 20-of-25 (80.0%) | Rebounds 36 | Assists 18 | Turnovers 9
• Manly Warringah: FG 26-from-75 (34.7%) | 3PT 6-from-22 (27.3%) | FT 17-of-24 (70.8%) | Rebounds 52 | Assists 18 | Turnovers 12

BA Centre of Excellence 75, Penrith Panthers 57 (Final)

BA Centre of Excellence (AIS) – March 28, 2026

Halftime: BA Centre of Excellence 44–34

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: BA CoE 23–12, 21–22, 18–6, 13–17
• The CoE built an early double-digit lead and broke the game open with a 12-point third quarter margin.
• Centre of Excellence controlled the glass 50–40 and generated consistent scoring opportunities.
• Penrith struggled from deep, shooting 2-from-22 (9.1%) from three.

BA Centre of Excellence controlled the contest across key stretches to defeat Penrith Panthers 75–57 at the AIS on March 28. After a competitive second quarter, the CoE’s defensive pressure in the third period created separation that held through the final quarter.

Jai Faale led the Centre of Excellence with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists, while William Hamilton added 12 points and Isaac Riddle contributed 12 points on efficient shooting. Flynn Pavely finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

Simun Krpez led Penrith with 20 points, while Noah Webb added 12 points and nine rebounds. Benjamin Kearins contributed nine points and three assists.

Top Performers

BA Centre of Excellence: Jai Faale – 15 points, six rebounds, five assists
Penrith Panthers: Simun Krpez – 20 points

By the Numbers

• BA Centre of Excellence: FG 27-from-66 (40.9%) | 3PT 6-from-21 (28.6%) | FT 15-of-21 (71.4%) | Rebounds 50 | Assists 17 | Turnovers 19
• Penrith: FG 25-from-68 (36.8%) | 3PT 2-from-22 (9.1%) | FT 5-of-18 (27.8%) | Rebounds 40 | Assists 13 | Turnovers 17

Central Coast Crusaders 89, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 77 (Final)

The Brickpit – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 46–43

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Central Coast 21–18, 22–28, 26–13, 20–18
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai led at halftime before Central Coast flipped the game with a dominant third quarter.
• The Crusaders shot 46.3% from the field and controlled the glass 54–39.
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai struggled with efficiency, shooting 31.5% from the field.

Central Coast Crusaders used a decisive third quarter to defeat Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 89–77 at The Brickpit on March 28. After trailing at halftime, the Crusaders outscored Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 26–13 in the third to take control and maintained the margin late.

Garric Young led Central Coast with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Luke Cassidy added 19 points and nine assists. Seth Chapman contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Shareef Saipaia added 11 points in a balanced team effort.

Mikes Connelly IV led Hornsby Ku-ring-gai with 21 points, while Jackson Smyth added 20 points. Daniel Garrett contributed eight points, and Alexander Sidhu added seven points and five assists.

Top Performers

Central Coast Crusaders: Garric Young – 21 points, 11 rebounds
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders: Mikes Connelly IV – 21 points

By the Numbers

• Central Coast: FG 31-from-67 (46.3%) | 3PT 3-from-21 (14.3%) | FT 24-of-37 (64.9%) | Rebounds 54 | Assists 19 | Turnovers 21
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai: FG 23-from-73 (31.5%) | 3PT 15-from-46 (32.6%) | FT 16-of-21 (76.2%) | Rebounds 39 | Assists 17 | Turnovers 21

Norths Bears 80, Newcastle Falcons 70 (OT) (Final)

Newcastle Basketball Stadium – March 28, 2026

End of Regulation: 68–68

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Norths 24–13, 7–17, 12–22, 25–16, OT 12–2
• Newcastle controlled the middle quarters before Norths rallied late to force overtime.
• Norths dominated overtime 12–2 to secure the result.
• The Bears held a 48–42 rebounding edge and executed better late in the game.

Norths Bears closed regulation strong and controlled overtime to defeat Newcastle Falcons 80–70 at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on March 28. After trailing entering the fourth quarter, Norths forced overtime and then dominated the extra period to seal the win.

Fabijan Krslovic led Norths with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Bailey Hanson added 17 points. Ignatius Mitchell contributed 14 points, and Lachlan Bofinger had 12 points on efficient shooting.

Jude Jennings led Newcastle with 17 points, while Ryan Beisty added 13 points and 17 rebounds. Matur Maluach contributed 10 points, and Jai Smith added eight points off the bench.

Top Performers

Norths Bears: Fabijan Krslovic – 18 points, 10 rebounds
Newcastle Falcons: Jude Jennings – 17 points

By the Numbers

• Norths Bears: FG 30-from-73 (41.1%) | 3PT 7-from-23 (30.4%) | FT 13-of-17 (76.5%) | Rebounds 48 | Assists 10 | Turnovers 14
• Newcastle: FG 27-from-72 (37.5%) | 3PT 9-from-30 (30.0%) | FT 7-of-8 (87.5%) | Rebounds 42 | Assists 15 | Turnovers 15

Inner West Bulls 93, Hills Hornets 84 (Final)

Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatics Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Inner West 49–43

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Inner West 23–20, 26–23, 24–18, 20–23
• Inner West controlled the middle quarters to build and maintain separation.
• The Bulls shot 51.4% from the field and 45.5% from three, driving efficient offence.
• Hills stayed within reach but could not close the gap late.

Inner West Bulls controlled key stretches to defeat Hills Hornets 93–84 at Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatics Centre on March 28. After a tight first half, the Bulls extended their lead through the third quarter and held on in the final period.

Malok Majak led Inner West with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Kobe Shannon added 21 points and seven assists. Henry Makeny contributed 17 points, and Jasper Rentoy finished with 15 points and five assists.

Shaun Stewart led Hills with 29 points on efficient shooting, while Meekness Payne added 14 points. Saxon Orsini contributed 11 points, and Joshua Pain added seven.

Top Performers

Inner West Bulls: Malok Majak – 24 points, eight rebounds
Hills Hornets: Shaun Stewart – 29 points

By the Numbers

• Inner West: FG 36-from-70 (51.4%) | 3PT 15-from-33 (45.5%) | FT 6-of-13 (46.2%) | Rebounds 37 | Assists 22 | Turnovers 9
• Hills: FG 34-from-82 (41.5%) | 3PT 8-from-33 (24.2%) | FT 8-of-12 (66.7%) | Rebounds 49 | Assists 14 | Turnovers 9

Sydney Comets 77, Sutherland Sharks 65 (Final)

Sutherland Basketball Stadium – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Sydney 42–31

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Sydney 24–17, 18–14, 18–14, 17–20
• Sydney established control early and maintained a double-digit buffer.
• The Comets won the rebounding battle 58–46, creating second-chance opportunities.
• Sutherland struggled offensively, shooting 30.9% from the field.

Sydney Comets controlled the tempo from the opening quarter to defeat Sutherland Sharks 77–65 at Sutherland Basketball Stadium. A strong first half created separation, and the Comets managed the game through the second half to close out the win.

Ahmed Barba-Bey led Sydney with 26 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Akil Douglas and Obiri Kyei each added 11 points. Chol Adup provided 10 points off the bench.

Ryan Abbott led Sutherland with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Lochlan Hutchison and Luke Jamieson each scored 11 points.

Top Performers

Sydney Comets: Ahmed Barba-Bey – 26 points, six rebounds
Sutherland Sharks: Ryan Abbott – 14 points, 11 rebounds

By the Numbers

• Sydney: FG 26-from-76 (34.2%) | 3PT 7-from-26 (26.9%) | FT 18-of-31 (58.1%) | Rebounds 58 | Assists 14 | Turnovers 15
• Sutherland: FG 21-from-68 (30.9%) | 3PT 5-from-27 (18.5%) | FT 18-of-29 (62.1%) | Rebounds 46 | Assists 9 | Turnovers 18

Illawarra Hawks 91, Maitland Mustangs 78 (Final)

Mojo Homes Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: 46–43

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: 23–23, 24–20, 27–17, 17–18
• Illawarra broke the game open with a 27–17 third quarter.
• The Hawks dominated the glass 49–36, creating second-chance opportunities.
• Maitland remained competitive early before fading after halftime.

Illawarra Hawks used a decisive third-quarter surge to defeat Maitland Mustangs 91–78 at Mojo Homes Centre. After a tight first half, Illawarra created separation through sustained scoring and control of the boards.

Todd Blanchfield led the Hawks with 28 points and 16 rebounds, while Matthew Mims added 25 points and five rebounds. Mason Peatling contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Reyne Smith led Maitland with 21 points, while William Cranston-Lown added 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Myles Cherry contributed 16 points on efficient shooting.

Top Performers

Illawarra Hawks: Todd Blanchfield – 28 points, 16 rebounds
Maitland Mustangs: Reyne Smith – 21 points

By the Numbers

• Illawarra: FG 29-from-66 (43.9%) | 3PT 13-from-31 (41.9%) | FT 20-of-28 (71.4%) | Rebounds 49 | Assists 6 | Turnovers 14
• Maitland: FG 28-from-74 (37.8%) | 3PT 8-from-31 (25.8%) | FT 14-of-18 (77.8%) | Rebounds 36 | Assists 11 | Turnovers 7

Bankstown Bruins 107, Albury-Wodonga Bandits 96 (Final)

Lauren Jackson Sports Centre – March 28, 2026

Halftime: Bankstown 64–41

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Bankstown 36–18, 28–23, 25–30, 18–25
• Bankstown built a 23-point halftime lead behind a dominant first half.
• Albury-Wodonga responded after halftime but could not close the gap.
• The Bruins shot 46.2% from the field and moved the ball effectively.

Bankstown Bruins established control early and held off a second-half push to defeat Albury-Wodonga Bandits 107–96 at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. A high-scoring first half created separation, and despite a stronger finish from the Bandits, the Bruins maintained their advantage.

Alexander Higgins-Titsha led Bankstown with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Mundine added 15 points on efficient shooting. Tederick Wolfe contributed 15 points, and Jason Cadee orchestrated with 14 points and 12 assists.

Lochlan Cummings led Albury-Wodonga with 31 points, while Kevion Blaylock added 23 points and nine rebounds. Christian Cook contributed 21 points in support.

Top Performers

Bankstown Bruins: Alexander Higgins-Titsha – 21 points, eight rebounds
Albury-Wodonga Bandits: Lochlan Cummings – 31 points

By the Numbers

• Bankstown: FG 42-from-91 (46.2%) | 3PT 14-from-39 (35.9%) | FT 9-of-16 (56.3%) | Rebounds 54 | Assists 21 | Turnovers 11
• Albury-Wodonga: FG 35-from-79 (44.3%) | 3PT 14-from-32 (43.8%) | FT 12-of-18 (66.7%) | Rebounds 47 | Assists 18 | Turnovers 13

Illawarra Hawks 97, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 80 (Final)

The Brickpit – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Illawarra 50–29

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Illawarra 20–16, 30–13, 21–15, 26–36
• Illawarra built control with a dominant second quarter (30–13).
• The Hawks controlled the glass 59–38, dictating possession.
• Hornsby rallied late but could not recover from the first-half deficit.

Illawarra Hawks established a decisive first-half lead and held off a late push to defeat Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 97–80 at The Brickpit. A dominant second quarter created separation, and despite a 36-point fourth quarter from Hornsby, the margin held.

Matthew Mims led Illawarra with 27 points and 10 assists, while Todd Blanchfield added 25 points and 20 rebounds in a dominant inside-out performance. Mason Peatling contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Jackson Smyth led Hornsby with 23 points, while Alexander Sidhu added 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Top Performers

Illawarra Hawks: Matthew Mims – 27 points, 10 assists
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders: Jackson Smyth – 23 points

By the Numbers

• Illawarra: FG 36-from-70 (51.4%) | 3PT 17-from-37 (46.0%) | FT 8-of-12 (66.7%) | Rebounds 59 | Assists 26 | Turnovers 21
• Hornsby: FG 29-from-89 (32.6%) | 3PT 14-from-51 (27.5%) | FT 8-of-13 (61.5%) | Rebounds 38 | Assists 14 | Turnovers 8

Hills Hornets 78, Newcastle Falcons 75 (Final)

Newcastle Basketball Stadium – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Newcastle 40–38

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Newcastle 24–20, 16–18, 21–17, 14–23
• Hills closed with a decisive 23–14 fourth quarter to overturn the deficit.
• The Hornets shot 45.5% from the field and hit timely perimeter shots late.
• Newcastle led most of the way before being overrun in the final period.

Hills Hornets finished strongly to defeat Newcastle Falcons 78–75 at Newcastle Basketball Stadium. Trailing entering the fourth quarter, Hills surged late to flip the game and secure the road win.

Joshua Pain led Hills with 23 points on efficient shooting, while Shaun Stewart added 16 points. Jacob Foy contributed eight points and six assists.

Jude Jennings led Newcastle with 15 points, while Ryan Beisty added 14 points and seven rebounds. Jai Smith provided 13 points on efficient shooting.

Top Performers

Hills Hornets: Joshua Pain – 23 points
Newcastle Falcons: Jude Jennings – 15 points

By the Numbers

• Hills: FG 30-from-66 (45.5%) | 3PT 12-from-26 (46.2%) | FT 6-of-10 (60.0%) | Rebounds 41 | Assists 17 | Turnovers 16
• Newcastle: FG 29-from-68 (42.6%) | 3PT 11-from-29 (37.9%) | FT 6-of-8 (75.0%) | Rebounds 33 | Assists 19 | Turnovers 13

BA Centre of Excellence 97, Bankstown Bruins 89 (Final)

BA Centre of Excellence (AIS) – March 29, 2026

Halftime: BA CoE 58–44

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: BA CoE 25–26, 33–18, 19–27, 20–18
• BA CoE built control with a dominant 33–18 second quarter.
• Bankstown responded in the third but couldn’t fully close the gap.
• BA CoE shot 54.4% from the field and controlled interior efficiency.

BA Centre of Excellence held off a second-half push to defeat Bankstown Bruins 97–89 at the AIS. After building a 14-point halftime lead, the CoE absorbed Bankstown’s third-quarter surge before reasserting control late.

Jai Faale led BA CoE with 26 points on 10-from-17 shooting, while Luke Paul added 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Ajak Nyuon contributed 14 points, and Jongkuch Mach impacted the paint with nine points, eight rebounds and five blocks.

Anthony Mundine led Bankstown with 22 points, while Elijah Kamu added 18 points and Tederick Wolfe contributed 17. Jason Cadee orchestrated with 14 assists.

Top Performers

BA Centre of Excellence: Jai Faale – 26 points
Bankstown Bruins: Anthony Mundine – 22 points

By the Numbers

• BA CoE: FG 37-from-68 (54.4%) | 3PT 8-from-23 (34.8%) | FT 15-of-26 (57.7%) | Rebounds 50 | Assists 13 | Turnovers 19
• Bankstown: FG 29-from-74 (39.2%) | 3PT 8-from-29 (27.6%) | FT 23-of-33 (69.7%) | Rebounds 36 | Assists 21 | Turnovers 12

Norths Bears 99, Central Coast Crusaders 74 (Final)

Guzman y Gomez Stadium – March 29, 2026

Halftime: Central Coast 49–45

Game Snapshot

• Quarter Scores: Central Coast 23–20, 26–25, 17–28, 8–26
• Norths flipped the game with a 28–17 third quarter.
• A dominant 26–8 fourth quarter sealed the blowout finish.
• Norths shot 47.4% from the field and controlled the second half.

Norths Bears produced a dominant second-half turnaround to defeat Central Coast Crusaders 99–74, overturning a four-point halftime deficit with control on both ends after the break.

Fabijan Krslovic led Norths with 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while Ignatius Mitchell added 17 points and went a perfect 7-from-7 at the line. Lachlan Bofinger contributed 15 points and Bailey Hanson added 14 as Norths generated balanced scoring.

Garric Young led Central Coast with 19 points on efficient shooting, while Shareef Saipaia added 17 points. Luke Cassidy contributed 11 assists but struggled from the field.

Top Performers

Norths Bears: Fabijan Krslovic – 18 points, 10 rebounds
Central Coast Crusaders: Garric Young – 19 points

By the Numbers

• Norths: FG 36-from-76 (47.4%) | 3PT 6-from-21 (28.6%) | FT 21-of-30 (70.0%) | Rebounds 48 | Assists 17 | Turnovers 7
• Central Coast: FG 27-from-71 (38.0%) | 3PT 10-from-31 (32.3%) | FT 10-of-19 (52.6%) | Rebounds 43 | Assists 18 | Turnovers 17