First triple-double for DJ in NBL1

The penultimate round of the 2022 NBL1 season proved to be another strong one for the Sydney Kings’ contingent.

Down in the NBL1 South competition, Dejan Vasiljevic proved he’s more than just a sharpshooter by recording his first triple-double of his campaign with Diamond Valley.

During his 35 minutes on the court, the 25-year-old tallied 22 points (including three triples), 12 assists and 10 rebounds, to steer the Eagles to a 101-79 win against the Ballarat Miners.

Next up for the Canadian-born guard and his Eagles, who are 11-10 on the season, is a trip to the Frankston Basketball Stadium to take on the Blues from 7.30pm Saturday.

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Moving to Queensland and three Kings hit the hardwood in the NBL1 North division, including Mackay Meteors duo Biwali Bayles and Jaylin Galloway.

Despite playing on their home court and receiving solid contributions from Bayles (11 points, seven boards, three dimes and three steals) and Galloway (12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block), the Meteors were grounded 93-63 by the Darwin Salties.

The second-placed Meteors will wrap up their regular season with a home fixture against Northside on Saturday from 7.30pm.

Elsewhere, Sydney recruit Kouat Noi recorded 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two swipes as his USC Rip City edged Sunshine Coast 87-75.

The NSW junior didn’t back up the next day for USC, who lost 95-75 to Northside.

The 13-6 USC outfit, who currently holds third spot on the NBL1 North ladder, will host Darwin in Saturday’s final home fixture of 2022.

Big man Jordan Hunter didn’t take the court as his North Gold Coast lost 106-91 to Southern Districts.

That wraps up the 2022 season for Hunter’s Seahawks, who have the bye in this weekend’s final round.

Across the ditch and Kings skipper Xavier Cooks continued his exceptional Sal’s NBL season on Saturday, finishing with 19 points, 14 boards, six assists, three blocks and two steals, as Wellington downed Auckland 98-80 to cement their finals spot.

Cooks’ Saints now shift their focus to finals hoops and will battle the Tuatara at Eventfinda Stadium in Tuesday’s elimination fixture - with the winner advancing to play Taranaki on Wednesday.