By Dion Stergiopoulos
After two tough losses during their double-header in round 12 of the Basketball NSW Waratah League, the St George Saints Mens White team were on a mission to avenge previous losses.
With four squad members unavailable for last Saturday’s match on the road against the Inner West Bulls, the Saints called on their depth and fringe players to step up in a big way.
The Saints determination to bounce back was clear from the start, with Yianni Trikilis and Jayden Tanevski leading by example with their relentless defence and impressive ball movement.
Jack Ticic also stood tall, offering excellent support on both ends of the floor.
The spirited Saints closed out the opening quarter on the front foot, leading the Bulls 27-17 and their momentum continued into the second quarter closing out the first half ahead by fifteen points (60-45).
The third quarter saw a spirited challenge from the Bulls, with the hosts ramping up the physicality, however the Saints were up to the challenge.
The visitors held their own during the third period taking a twelve-point lead into the final quarter (86-74).
The final quarter was a total team performance from the Saints, with every player contributing.
The visitors continued to lift the intensity, executing on both ends of the floor to close out the Bulls with a commanding 117-94 victory.
This performance was a testament to the Saints putting in a consistent four-quarter performance and was a well-earned victory.
Following their victory Saints head coach George Aliferis was impressed with his team’s response to recent losses.
“I was extremely proud that we kept it together for all four quarters,” he said.
“We deserved this win after some recent close losses… We now need to focus and prepare for this weekends big challenge against league leaders Tamworth [Thunderbolts].
“They’ve only lost one game all season and this game will show the true character of our group.”
Saints stars Yianni Trikilis and Jayden Tanevski both delivered standout performances to help inspire their team to victory.
Trikilis finished with 14 points and was a menace on the defensive end of the floor pulling in a lot of rebounds.
Tanevski finished with a game high 40 points in a standout performance for the visitors.
The Saints now look ahead to this weekends blockbuster matchup when they host league leaders Tamworth Thunderbolts on Saturday 5 July.
St George Saints Senior Reps results – Saturday 28 July 2025
Youth League Mens White
St George Saints 90-109 Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders
Youth League Mens Red
Marrickville Spirit 64-120 St George Saints
Mens White
Inner West Bulls 94-117 St George Saints
St George Saints Senior Reps results – Sunday 29 July 2025
- Youth League Mens Red
St George Saints 116-62 Marrickville Spirit
- Youth League Womens
St George Saints 81-44 Camden Valley Wildfire
