By Trevor Jackson
A 10/5 win/loss record has placed the Mount Gambier Pioneers men in a strong position in the NBL1 South competition.
They will be tested again tonight when Geelong United come to the Blue Lake City and look to disrupt the Pioneers’ current winning run.
Mount Gambier sits in fifth place on the ladder, with United down in seventh.
However, last time the two sides met Geelong claimed the win by a solitary point.
That was back in Round 5 and a bit has changed since then.
The Pioneers have gone through some personnel changes, with the inclusion of Titus Robinson a big one at this time of the season.
Robinson provides plenty of size, which the Pioneers have lacked this season and knows the club, the town and the people, making his transition much smoother.
Jacob Lampkin was not on that roster either and with his form, the Pioneers have become a danger side for any team.
Lampkin averages 21.6 points per game and 11.9 rebounds.
The return of Nick Marshall has been eagerly awaited too.
Against Geelong in Round 5 Marshall hit 37 points and is certainly a strong presence on the floor.
Whether he takes the floor remains to be seen.
Likewise Pioneers supporters were keen to see Tom Kubank back in black and green after a stint overseas.
He made an immediate impact and last round against Ballarat he notched up a double-double, with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
The same weekend he finished with 21 and nine against Ringwood Hawks.
A win over Geelong will keep the Pioneers up close to the top four and in the ideal position as the season winds down.
The game tips off at 7.30pm SA time.
