Tough weekend for Keilor Thunder

Maddie Garrick (supplied)

It was a tough weekend for the Keilor Thunder against the Mt Gambier Pioneers in the National Basketball League 1 South competition.

Returning home for the first time since round one, the Thunder women kicked off the action against the Pioneers on Sunday.

The Pioneers won each of the first three quarters, but the Thunder were still in touching distance at the last break just down by 10 points.

It would be a last quarter to forget, with the Thunder being outscored 33-10, to seal the 93-60 loss.

Maddie Garrick top scored with 17 points, but was the only Thunder player to score double figures.

The men’s game was a lot closer, with the Pioneers only sealing the win in the dying minutes.

The Thunder jumped out of the blocks and led by nine points at the first.

They were still in front at half time, but the margin had been reduced to four points.

The Pioneers started to find their groove in the second half. A 28-19 third quarter gave them the lead, before a 29-26 final quarter ensured the 96-88 win.

Five players scored double figures for the Thunder with Tyler Kidd top scoring with 18 points.

In a good sign for the Thunder, they won the rebounding which had been an area of concern in the first three rounds.

Both Thunder teams have one win after five games.

They will be back at home on Saturday night against the Dandenong Rangers, before hitting the road to face the Nunawading Spectres on Sunday.