QBL Mens Round 6 Previews
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Friday, June 3
Sunshine Coast Phoenix vs. Mackay
Who knew at the start of the season Phoenix-Clippers would be undefeated and the defending champions with their backs on the wall. Phoenix-Clippers had a strong win over Logan in Round 4 and would have a strong case against the struggling Meteors. I love the backup matchup between Meehl/Page and Bruce/Cedar, but i think the key will be the Wiggins/Best matchup as Wiggins needs to perform this weekend. While i rate Mackay starting lineup i have concerns about the bench and Sunshine Coast has one of the best in the league this season.
Prediction: Sunshine Coast
Townsville vs. Gladstone
The league’s best team has got even better with the acquistion of Luke Schenscher. Schenscher will give the Heat added veteran leadership and added depth up front. Gladstone is surprising a lot of people, given their Round 4 win over the defending champions. Ray Wills is one of the frontrunners for the MVP and his getting a lot of support from the Allen brothers and newcomers Remy Lawyer and Tevin Jackson. Townsville does have the upper hand but they need that to limit Willis effectiveness
Prediction: Townsville
Saturday, June 4
Logan vs. Gold Coast
Logan spilt their Sunshine Coast roadtrip (losing to Phoenix) and they would want to bounce back this weekend against an inconsistent Gold Coast team. The Rollers lost to Toowoomba in Round 4 and they struggling to get some consistency out of their squad. Mitch Young and Justin Baker have been in ominous form and Gold Coast will have a tough time to contain them
Prediction: Logan
Ipswich vs. Toowoomba
Ipswich has struggled all season long and their defensive woes have been noticeable. Legan and Harvey have been the only two constants in offence and have got minimal production out of the rest of the squad, though i expect the inclusion of Jason Ralph in the starting lineup to help. Toowoomba got their first win to their season and would want to get into a winning streak and what better way to do it than in your rival’s home court. It should be a tough game that could go either way, but i feel the Whitehead/Legan battle will determine the game outcome.
Prediction: Toowoomba
South West vs. Bundaberg
Both team pulled amazing wins in round 4 against the 2015 grand finalist. South West beat Brisbane at Auchenflower with import Tanner McGrew putting big numbers along with Jarred Bairstow and surprise package Adam Tolo. Bundaberg had a massive win over Mackay at Bundy through Scheraun King 40 point performance. The bye week would have helped South West get some familiarity on the court with both imports in town and they will need them to contain Shackleford. Bundy showed they are a lot better than what they woeful round 1 performance but i still have to go with South West in this game.
Prediction: South West
Cairns vs. Gladstone
Cairns have been depleted this season with both Tragardh and Loughton missing time. Despite that they have been wrecking havoc on teams like Brisbane and Rockhampton pushing them to the limit. Gladstone will be in their second game of the road trip and that added depth with Jackson and Lawyer should help in such a tough road trip. Difficult to judge who win this game, but if Cairns have either big available they should be win this.
Prediction: Cairns
Sunshine Coast Rip vs. Mackay
Rip gave Logan a tough time to get that win and have enough talent to cause problems with Mackay. Ilton is a nice addition Mackay are in a tough position, they don't have the bench depth like they use to and they have the added pressure of their season being on the line, they can't afford to take the Rip lightly. Mackay for the win but don’t be shocked with Rip get their second win of their season.
Prediction: Mackay
Sunday, June 5
Brisbane vs. Mackay
The Grand Final rematch and this game is a must win for both teams. Brisbane has the opportunity to grab a home grand/semi final with the infighting in the north, but losing to the likes of South West isn't helping given they have Mackay, Rockhampton and 4 games with SC Phoenix and Logan still to play. Mackay do not want to lose more than 1 game with already 3 losses in their record given how the North pool is playing out. Brisbane will depend on their big 3 of Rychart, Anderson and Thompson and need more consistency in their outside shooting. Should be a cracker of a game, Brisbane should be fresh and take this game out.
Prediction: Brisbane
The Gist
Toowoomba vs. Bundaberg
Both teams are playing twice on the weekend. Toowoomba need to capitalise on this easier schedule and get the win over Bundaberg to establish themselves into a playoff contender in the south pool. Given how Brisbane, SC Phoenix and Logan are playing it's difficult to see Bundaberg anywhere near the playoff race so if they can get some help to King (cos you can expect him to score 40 points every time to win a game) they have a chance, but i have to give the advantage to the home team
Prediction: Toowoomba
Gold Coast vs. South West
Another set of teams that have a double head on this weekend. How they recover from Saturday night game will be crucial heading into this game, especially for that home team that requires Dencorub by the gallons. Lots of good matchups here, interesting to see the Teys/Salaciech matchup. Both teams need this win to start putting their playoff credentials up. Could go either way.
Prediction: Gold Coast
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