NEWCASTLE Hunters never recovered from a slow start in their 81-64 loss to Norths Bears in the Waratah Australian Basketball League women's game at Broadmeadow on Saturday.
Led by Lisa Braunberger's 31 points and 10 rebounds, the Bears led 52-36 by half-time and did all they had to do to keep the Hunters at bay in the last two quarters.
Slipping to a 4-5 win-loss record, Newcastle were best served by Dimity Stewart (18 points, nine rebounds) and Katie Ebzery (14 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists).
The Hunters men suffered their eighth loss from nine games this season, going down 109-77 to fifth-placed Norths in the second leg of the WABL double-header on Saturday.
Newcastle trailed 33-29 after a high-scoring first quarter and, down 54-44 at half-time, still harboured hopes of reeling in the deficit after the break.
But behind a dominant Ufojan Isbic (29 points, 17 rebounds), the Bears blew the game open with a 37-15 third quarter against the inexperienced Hunters.
Captain Al Swystun posted 24 points and 15 rebounds for Newcastle and Mat Cook (13 points) and Mat McGovern (12) provided some scoring support.
Brett Keeble
Email a friend