Gold Coast host Rip City as two of the top Basketball Qld QSL1 teams go head-to-head

The Gold Coast Rollers have taken on the University of Sunshine Coast Rip in a top four Basketball Queensland QSL1 clash. WATCH THE REPLAYS

The Gold Coast Rollers will be looking to turn the tables on the University of Sunshine Coast Rip when they host the top four clash in the Basketball Queensland QSL1 competition.

Gold Coast are aiming to avenge early season losses to the Rip in both the women’s and men’s competitions when the two teams face-off at Carrara Stadium Saturday night.

WATCH THE REPLAYS OF BOTH GAMES IN THE MEDIA PLAYER ABOVE AND BELOW

REPLAY: QSL Basketball - Gold Coast vs USC (Women’s) 80-61

It will be the second-placed Rip going against the third-placed Rollers and it is the home side will all the pressure on them after a heavy 97-69 loss at the Sunshine Coast earlier this month.

USC Rip City player Ronnie Twidale.

USC have one of the most balanced attacks across the competition, led by Ronnie Twidale at more than 30 points per game, and are looking to bounce back after their first loss of the season against the Southern Districts Spartans last week.

But coach Ben McGlynn said he was confident his team could get back on track this weekend.

“We are travelling well at the moment and like everyone, we’re trying to get bodies on the floor and get rotations sorted,” he said.

“Gold Coast are always tough at home and with size, length and athleticism, they cover plenty of bases.

“Matching physicality and energy early is key for us, they have plenty of guys who get out and fill the lanes, so limiting their transition opportunities will be something we need to look at.”

McGlynn said they also needed to contain the likes of Josh Leaney, who is averaging 22 points per game.

It will be an absolute blockbuster in the women’s clash after the Gold Coast came back from double digits in the fourth quarter the last time the two teams met to fall by just two to the Rip.

Camryn Hughes in action for Rip City.

Gold Coast coach Sarah Glazebrook said their focus needed to be on the defensive boards against the Rip.

“As well as locking down Camryn Hughes, who had 35 against us last time and is a huge part of Rip’s success,” she said.

“Offensively we need to look to push the ball more early in the game because that’s what got us back in into the game last time.”

Rip coach Carlie Sward said she was proud of the team’s start, which is the best ever for the club’s second-tier team, but they needed to continue to improve.

“Each week we focus on improving as individuals and teammates by pushing each other to be better and making sure we put it all together when it matters most,” she said.

“Being accountable for not just what you do but how you’re influencing your teammates performance is something that is part of non-negotiable set at the start of the season.

“We only beat Gold Coast by 3 last time we played them and let go of a 17 point lead in the third – so we have to play for the full 40 minutes to ensure we don’t go down that path again. “We are missing some key personnel this week which will give others an opportunity to step up and show me what they can bring so I’m excited to see that evolve throughout the game.

“Gold Coast play a fast youthful style of basketball so it’s crucial we play at our pace and with composure to keep us in the game.

Any of their players have the ability to step up and be damaging if we let them get a roll on – they can all shoot and have no fear when getting to the basket.

“We need to limit their open shots and make them grind it out inside.

“If we play our style of basketball, stay together as a team and enjoy the game we can come out with another win.”

The women’s game tips-off at 2pm followed by the men at 4pm.

Originally published as Gold Coast host Rip City as two of the top Basketball Qld QSL1 teams go head-to-head