Bozeman ejection rocks Toowoomba Mountaineers

Toowoomba Mountaineers show real spirit in tight loss to Logan City Thunder.

BASKETBALL: Another close loss to a more fancied opposition left the Toowoomba Mountaineers frustrated and a little bewildered on Friday.

Forced to play without star guard Damon Bozeman for more than half the game, the Mountaineers fought gamely in their 82-70 defeat to the Logan City Thunder.

The loss of Bozeman, after he was ejected when he received back-to-back technical fouls five minutes into the second quarter, took a toll on the Neers down the stretch.

IN THE LANE: Mountaineers guard Jason Ebneter shoots in traffic during his side's match agains the Logan City Thunder. Picture: Nev Madsen

"Losing Damon was big for us," Mountaineers men's coach Danny Morseu said.

"He averages about 38 points a game for us and if you look at the result of the game if he scores that or even 20 points I think we win the game."

Redemption could be swift though with the Toowoomba QBL side to face the Thunder again this weekend.

And after their efforts on Friday night Morseu believes they're in with a shot.

Mountaineers vs Thunder

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"The boys really stepped up and I congratulate them for their energy and effort tonight," he said.

"It was an unfortunate incident with Damo - the boys had to really step and they did.

"I'm really proud. You have to keep in mind a lot of the players for Logan City are imports from other parts of the country whereas for us we've got two imports and three local kids on the floor.

"That's great for the program here in Toowoomba when we have three players who are starting for our QBL side - that creates pathways and opportunities for our juniors.

"You only have to look at guys like Jason Ebneter, Josh Derksen and even Cameron Weber."

In the women's game, the Thunder was too good for the Mountaineers in a convincing 111-52 win.

Originally published as Bozeman ejection rocks Toowoomba Mountaineers