YOUNG gun Jasmine Forcadilla inspired the Newcastle Hunters to a 74-66 win over Manly-Warringah at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.
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The Australian under-19 guard led all scorers with 21 points and added an impressive 10 rebounds as the Hunters (5-1) retained top spot on the Waratah Basketball League ladder.
Experienced guard Sophie Kleeman scored 19 points and Amanda Bendeich dominated inside with eight points and 13 rebounds as the Hunters women kept their unbeaten home record intact.
Coach Peter Astley praised the commitment of his side.
"We lifted in the second half through a much more committed defensive effort," Astley said.
The win sets up a re-match against Norths Bears at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on April 11, which are the only team to defeat the Hunters this season.
Jon Howe continued his sensational start to the season but it was not enough to keep the men's unbeaten home record intact with the Hunters going down 68-61 to Manly. Howe finished with 13 points and nine rebounds and was instrumental in the Hunters racing away to a 10-0 lead.
But Manly overcame their slow start to lead 21-18 at quarter-time and 54-49 at the main break. Ben Hawkesley and Justin Hamilton did their best to keep the home side in the game but the Sea Eagles were too strong.