Late Charge Falls Short in Gritty Loss to Cobras

Final Score: Kilsyth 72 def. Nunawading 67

A slow start proved costly for the Nunawading Spectres Men on Sunday afternoon, falling just short in a gritty 72-67 loss to the Kilsyth Cobras.

Despite being down by as many as 17 points in the third quarter, the Spectres showed resilience and fight to claw their way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to just two early in the final term. But in a game of fine margins, a dagger three from Kilsyth’s Corey Jeffs proved decisive.

Tristan Devers, fresh off his NBL stint with the Brisbane Bullets, led all scorers with a sensational 25-point performance to go with seven rebounds and two assists. Christian D’Angelo was a spark off the bench with 21 points and four boards, while BJ Mack II added seven points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a physical battle on the glass.

The Spectres trailed 19-10 after the opening quarter and spent much of the afternoon playing catch-up. Kilsyth’s early momentum — led by Jeffs (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Khadim Sy (17 points, 18 boards) — put the home side in control, but Nunawading’s second-half intensity gave them every chance to steal it late.

With growing cohesion and a stronger second-half performance, there’s plenty of upside for the Spectres heading into a blockbuster GEBC Cup clash against fierce rivals Ringwood Hawks on Wednesday night at Norwood Secondary College.

It’s more than just a game — it’s about community, pride, and the inner sanctum. Be there.