A tough weekend for the Chargers Men

Match Report: Late Three Lifts Pioneers Past Chargers in One-Point Thriller

The Hobart Chargers fell agonisingly short in a thrilling contest on Friday night, going down 101-100 to the Mt Gambier Pioneers at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre in their Round 6 NBL1 South Men’s clash.

In a high-scoring battle that featured multiple momentum swings, the Chargers held the advantage for much of the contest before a late surge from the Pioneers, capped by a decisive three-pointer in the closing moments, saw the home side steal the result.

Both teams started at a high tempo, trading baskets throughout an entertaining opening quarter. Hobart found early offensive flow through Jacob Richards and Luke Rosendale, while Mt Gambier countered with strong inside scoring and efficiency around the rim. The Chargers edged the first quarter 31-29, setting the tone for what would become a closely contested encounter.

Hobart maintained momentum in the second period, continuing to generate scoring opportunities through Richards’ interior presence and Rosendale’s perimeter threat. Joe Chilcott provided important contributions, and the Chargers’ ball movement created quality looks. Despite efforts from Alex Mudronja and Scott Telfer to keep Mt Gambier within reach, Hobart carried a 54-48 lead into halftime after winning the quarter 23-19.

The third quarter continued at a high level of intensity, with both teams exchanging scoring runs. Hobart again found answers through Richards and Rosendale, while Mt Gambier responded through Mudronja and Lucas Gordon. The Chargers extended their advantage slightly, taking a 82-73 lead into three-quarter time after a 28-25 quarter. 

The final quarter proved decisive in dramatic fashion. Mt Gambier lifted their defensive pressure and began to chip away at the margin, finding timely baskets from Mudronja and Collin Moore. Hobart continued to score through Richards and Rosendale and maintained a narrow lead deep into the final minute. However, a late three-pointer from Mudronja gave the Pioneers a slender advantage, and despite a final opportunity, the Chargers were unable to convert, with Mt Gambier holding on for the 101-100 victory. 

Jacob Richards delivered an outstanding performance for Hobart with 35 points and nine rebounds on highly efficient shooting. Luke Rosendale added 33 points, five assists, and 14 made free throws in a strong offensive display, while Joe Chilcott contributed 14 points and Xavier Clarke added eight. 

For Mt Gambier, Alex Mudronja led the way with 29 points, including the crucial late basket, while Collin Moore added 15 points and Scott Telfer contributed 14. Lucas Gordon also impacted strongly with 10 points and 11 rebounds. 

The loss is a tough result for the Chargers, who controlled large stretches of the game but were unable to close out the contest in the final moments, as Mt Gambier capitalised late to secure the narrow win. 

Match Report: Thunder Surge Early to Defeat Chargers in Keilor Clash

The Hobart Chargers were unable to contain a strong attacking performance from the Keilor Thunder, falling 107-83 on Sunday afternoon at Keilor Stadium in their Round 6 NBL1 South Men’s clash.

Keilor established control early and built a significant first-half lead through efficient scoring and ball movement, before maintaining their advantage across the second half to secure a decisive home victory.

The Thunder made an impressive start, converting at a high rate offensively and capitalising on defensive stops to build early momentum. Tana Kopa and Deng Dut led the scoring push, while Daniel Foster orchestrated effectively. Hobart found opportunities through Jacob Richards and Luke Rosendale, but Keilor’s efficiency saw them take a 31-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Keilor extended their dominance in the second period, delivering their strongest quarter of the game. The Thunder shot at an exceptional level, with Kopa continuing to score from the perimeter and Dut remaining efficient inside. Hobart struggled to contain the scoring runs despite contributions from Richards and Rosendale, with Keilor winning the quarter 35-16 to open up a commanding 66-34 halftime advantage. 

Hobart responded with improved energy in the third quarter, lifting their offensive output through Richards, Rosendale and Ambros Eugster. The Chargers showed greater composure and shot efficiency, winning the quarter 26-19 to reduce the margin to 85-60 at three-quarter time. 

However, Keilor maintained control in the final quarter, matching Hobart’s scoring and preventing any further momentum shift. The Thunder continued to find consistent offensive options while managing the tempo, closing out the contest with a 22-23 final term to secure the 107-83 victory. 

Tana Kopa delivered an outstanding performance for Keilor with 29 points on efficient shooting, while Deng Dut added 21 points and Daniel Foster contributed a well-rounded game with 17 points and nine assists. Matthew Johns and Landon Seaman also provided strong contributions in a balanced team effort. 

For Hobart, Jacob Richards led the scoring with 25 points, while Luke Rosendale added 19 points and Ambros Eugster contributed 10. Joe Chilcott added seven points and three assists, but the Chargers were unable to overcome Keilor’s dominant first-half performance. 

The result caps a challenging road double for the Chargers, with Keilor’s early offensive efficiency and sustained control proving decisive throughout the contest.