THREE losses on the trot is the state of play for the Ipswich Force men after they went down to NBL1 North competition favourites Mackay Meteors on Friday night.
Leading into the game, Ipswich Force were heavy outsiders against the visitors at JBS Arena in Bundamba and the markets proved to be on the money.
At halftime, Mackay led 67-43 and would lead for every minute of play before closing out as 21-point winners 110-89.
Nathan Sobey finished as top scorer across both sides with 33 points, but the conversation must be had with the Force’s marquee signing shooting at only 7.14 per cent from deep with one from 14 three pointers made.
It was not only an issue for Sobey, but the entire Ipswich outfit followed suit, with only seven shots hit from 31 attempts within the three-point range.
The big American Henry Pwono once again worked the boards with 12 rebounds, but when the defending titleholders are certainties to miss the playoffs, they need more of a team effort to string some wins together.
For the winning Mackay side, it was hoops workhorse Todd Blanchfield leading the scoring with 22 points and Emmett Naar feeding the ball with 13 assists.
For the Brad George-coached Lady Force, it was another loss, proving their overtime win a fortnight ago was an anomaly.
At halftime Mackay led 53-41 before going on to win 101-84.
Taylor Mole starred for the winners finishing with 49 points and 19 rebounds, while in the loss it was Amanda Cahill starring again with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lady Force have been exposed for two weeks now as being unable to defend the three shots, as shown as the Rollers’ Deeble 9/13 last week and Mackay’s Mole hitting 8 from 15 this week.
They have a bye next week before hosting the undefeated Northside Wizards.
