THE Ipswich Force men suffered a heartbreaking 111-108 defeat to the Gold Coast Rollers after an entertaining Saturday night shootout at Ipswich Basketball Stadium.
In a contest featuring elite shot-making from both sides, the Force led for much of the evening before Gold Coast produced a decisive third-quarter surge that ultimately proved the difference.
Ipswich exploded out of the blocks, pouring in 34 first-quarter points to establish an early advantage before taking a 53-46 lead into halftime. However, the Rollers erupted for 36 points in the third period to snatch the lead, setting up a frantic final quarter where both teams traded baskets in an offensive spectacle.
Samuel McDaniel delivered another outstanding performance for Ipswich, pouring in a game-high 33 points while knocking down five three-pointers and shooting a perfect 4-from-4 at the free-throw line.
Lamar Patterson again flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
The Ipswich Lady Force earlier defeated the Gold Coast Rollers 78-70.
The Ipswich Force will now host the North Gold Coast Seahawks at Ipswich Basketball Stadium on Sunday – 2pm for the women and 4pm for the men.
