By Trevor Jackson
THE Mount Gambier Pioneers men have just one game in Round 11 of NBL1 South this weekend, as they host the Hobart Chargers at Wulanda tonight (Friday).
With plenty of road trips so far this season, including double-headers, it will be a welcome change for the Pioneers to have just one job this weekend.
It has been a strong season for Mount Gambier, despite some extremely talented teams in the competition.
From 16 outings the Pioneers have lost just four games, equal with top side Sangringham Sabres on 12 wins to hold down second spot on the ladder.
Many of the lower-ranked sides certainly have enough talent to rock any team, but Hobart is certainly up there with the best.
The Chargers sit down in seventh spot, with nine wins and six losses from their 15 games.
Hobart has plenty of firepower around the hoop, with Terrell Brown averaging 21.67 points per game.
Other double-figure scorers include Vionte Daniels with 17.87, Ole Angerstein 15.14, Jacob Richards 14.8 and Clinton Steindl with 12.17.
Nick Marshall leads the Pioneers with 24.19 points per game, Akech Aliir sits on 16.63, Austin Shelley 13 and Christian Peevy 10.87.
As for rebounds, Aliir leads with 9.5 per game, while Marshall pulls down 8.3.
Marshall also leads free throws, three-point shooting and steals, such is the impact he has had this season.
To suggest this game will go down to the wire is probably accurate, considering other results this season.
If the Pioneers can use their home court to advantage, they should chalk up another victory as the season fast winds down.
