MELBOURNE, Australia – The Knox Raiders delivered a masterful defensive performance to defeat the previously unbeaten Geelong United 84-64 in the NBL1 South Grand Final on Saturday night, claiming their first championship since 2013.
Playing before a capacity crowd at the State Basketball Centre, the Raiders ended Geelong’s quest for a perfect season with a suffocating defensive display that limited the league’s highest-scoring team to just 64 points – 26 below their season average.
The championship clash lived up to its billing as both teams entered on impressive winning streaks. Geelong sought their 25th consecutive victory of the season while Knox aimed for their 14th straight win, setting the stage for a compelling finale to the NBL1 South campaign.
The opening quarter proved a tight affair, with Geelong holding a narrow 19-18 advantage. However, the Raiders seized control in the second period, using their defensive intensity to hold United to just 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting while scoring 22 themselves to take a 40-33 halftime lead.
Knox extended their advantage throughout the third quarter, building the margin to 14 points before pulling away decisively in the final period. Despite Geelong’s desperate attempts to mount a comeback, the Raiders’ relentless pressure proved insurmountable, with United never closing to within 11 points in the fourth quarter.
The victory represents redemption for Knox, who despite posting a 20-2 regular season record last year, suffered a disappointing early finals exit. This time, the Raiders executed coach Craig Simpson’s game plan to perfection, shooting 50 percent from the field while limiting Geelong to just 28 percent shooting.
Former Murray State Racer great, Katelyn Young added 5 points and 2 rebounds for the champs. In her time with the Raiders, the team did not suffer a loss.
The championship caps a remarkable turnaround for the Raiders’ women’s program, delivering their first title since capturing the SEABL crown in 2013 and establishing them as the premier team in NBL1 South.
Image credit: Ian Knight Photography