QBL Semi Final Predictions

Brisbane vs Logan

Something tells me Brisbane at home will get it done. I put it like this: there are only a few things needed to go wrong and Logan will lose ie Cedar shoots badly, Young gets in foul trouble etc. Whereas Brisbane overall have more contributors who would step in and play a role if the game needed it or if the usual performers don’t perform. Depth plays a big part and Brisbane have been for the past 2 seasons a team where 5-6 guys will score in double figures with 15-20 minutes court time. That ability to get guys on and off the floor and keep up a relentless match-up defense and offensive pace will wear Logan down. I think the game will be played at breackneck speed and Brisbane won’t change the volume shooting plan and look to score quickly and without any emphasis on running long sets. Logan could upset this by slowing the game down (defensive transition) and really defending the rim and winning the rebounding count to only give Brisbane one look. If Logan don’t defend the 3 point line they will be in trouble. Brisbane by 8.

Cairns vs Townsville

I think a week off is the worst thing Townsville could have had at this time and the losses to SW, Cairns and Logan in the back end of the season are telling. Cairns have too much firepower and if the Cairns game plan was as simple as get the ball to Trigger or Loughton, then I don’t think Rees and Brennan can stop them, unless Townsville double team those guys. Schenser will have to have the game of the season at both ends and be a real presence in the paint to give the Heat a chance. The player movements outwards of Froling and Djeric have hurt the Heat and have already proven to be telling factors. Being an old Townsville boy, sentimentally I would like to see the ‘Ville get up, it’s not going to happen this year and I think Cairns will get a comfortable 15+ point win giving us a Cairns vs Brisbane final.