NBS Men’s Grade Finals – Game 1

1 hour ago

2 min read

Nomads 82 – FDWNZ 88

Game 1 of the NBS Men’s Grade Finals saw a clash between the two teams that finished at the top of the table, with Nomads taking on FDWNZ in a tightly contested opening game of the series.

Nomads came out firing, building an early 10-point lead and putting the pressure on FDWNZ from the opening tip. FDWNZ fought their way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to just one point by the end of the first quarter, with Nomads leading 20–19.

The second quarter continued to be a battle, with neither team able to create any real separation. The scores remained locked together throughout the period, eventually heading into halftime tied at 40–40.

Nomads looked to regain control in the third quarter, but foul trouble began to become a major factor. Star player Riley Sa picked up two quick fouls, forcing him to spend the remainder of the quarter playing cautiously with four fouls. Despite the pressure, Nomads continued to find ways to score and finished the third quarter with momentum, taking a 67–62 lead into the final period.

The fourth quarter belonged to FDWNZ.

Riley Sa fouled out early in the final quarter, leaving Nomads without one of their key players at a crucial point in the game. FDWNZ capitalised, turning the momentum in their favour and taking control of the game. They managed to hold their lead through the remainder of the quarter, eventually securing an 88–82 victory to take Game 1 of the finals series.

Statistically, it was an incredibly even contest. Both teams shot 41% from the field, while FDWNZ shot 24% from three-point range compared with Nomads' 18%. Free-throw shooting sat around the 50% mark for both teams.

Nomads dominated the boards, finishing with 52 rebounds to FDWNZ's 40, while both teams recorded 10 steals. FDWNZ also looked after the ball particularly well, committing just 6 turnovers compared with Nomads' 13. Nomads recorded 14 assists, with FDWNZ finishing with 11.