Bungei Powers Cavs to Thrilling 1-Point Victory

Casey Cavaliers edged out the Mount Gambier Pioneers 81-80 on Friday night at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre in a nail-biting contest that featured 13 lead changes. Preston Bungei dominated for Casey with an ultra-efficient 28 points on 67 percent shooting, including 10-of-14 from inside the arc. The Cavs' forward was unstoppable in the paint, scoring 20 points down low while also grabbing nine boards. Casey created significant advantages on the glass, outrebounding the Pioneers 54-39 including a decisive 20-9 edge on the offensive boards that led to 20 second-chance points. Mount Gambier was led by Akech Aliir who put up 21 points on impressive 62 percent shooting along with six rebounds. Kaden Archie added 15 points, attacking the rim effectively by converting 7-of-12 from the field. Despite shooting a better percentage from the field (44 percent to Casey's 38 percent), the Pioneers couldn't overcome their rebounding deficit and made just 64 percent from the charity stripe compared to Casey's 76 percent. **CASEY CAVALIERS 81 (Preston Bungei 28, Tyler Robertson 19, Trendon Hankerson 12).** **MOUNT GAMBIER PIONEERS 80 (Akech Aliir 21, Kaden Archie 15, Alex Mudronja 11).** #NBL1South #BasketballAustralia