MOUNT Gambier Lakers men face a big test this weekend, with a double-header round of the 2019-20 Country Basketball League season.
The Lakers host the Millicent Magic tomorrow night at the Icehouse, then have to head over to Colac on Sunday to take on the Kookas.
The Lakers would be expected to record two victories, considering they remain undefeated at this stage of the season.
Millicent has won just three games, while the Kookas have only lost three, but either contest could see the Lakers fortunes reversed.
The Magic hosted Mount Gambier last week and was in the game for much of the opening half.
Just 14 points separated the two sides at the long break, but from there it was all the Lakers, as Simon Berkefeld, Mitchell Hunter, Kyle Tipene and Jordan Hollitt piled on the numbers, with the final 33-point win a stinging result for Millicent.
Tipene would go on to record a game-high 24 points, while Hunter and Berkfeld finished with 15 each and Hollitt 14.
For the Magic just Jordan Robertson (15) and Frazer Bradley (13) reached double figures.
Tipene is averaging 23 points-per-game for the Lakers this season, while Berkefeld, Lachlan Hunter, Jak Ryan and Mitch Hunter all have double-figure averages.
To add to the firepower, Braiden Ousey is also expected to make his return this weekend.
It is a daunting task for any side to face and if all players are available, a high-scoring game could come from the Lakers.
However, it was another slow start for the Lakers over at the Peter Seebohm Stadium, which has been an unwelcome feature of their games this season.
At the Icehouse the Lakers would be expected to dominate, but will need to ensure they are out of the blocks quickly to thwart any challenge the Magic might throw up.
Mount Gambier is yet to face the Kookas this season, who currently sit one position above the Lakers in third place on the ladder after nine games.
However, the Lakers have only played six games for their undefeated record, which includes two impressive victories over the two top sides – Geelong United and Horsham Hornets.
Make no mistake, the Lakers will need to be on their toes this weekend, especially on the road, with the home-court advantage something the Kookas will hope to utilise.
However, it will take a big effort to deal Mount Gambier its first defeat of the season and the Lakers should record two victories and continue their push towards the pointy end of the ladder.
