Meteors dispatch Bulls, book grand final date with Rockets
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THE MACKAY Meteors are through to the ConocoPhillips CQ Cup grand final after dispatching an undermanned Bundaberg Bulls 120-61 on Saturday night.
Bundaberg proved a plucky opponent in the opening exchanges but was left to rue a lack of manpower as the contest wore on.
Arriving with little more than a skeleton crew for the semi-final clash, the Bulls never really gave themselves a chance
In the end superior form, fitness and talent paved the way for a clinical 59-point Meteors victory, setting up a highly anticipated grand final meeting with rivals Rockhampton next weekend.
The Rockets knocked off Gladstone 93-65 in the corresponding semi-final in Rockhampton on Saturday night.
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Meteors veteran Brad Rasmussen welcomed the chance to face Mackay's biggest basketball rival with silverware on the line.
"Anytime you're playing for a trophy or championship is always good. The guys always lift too," he said.
"I think we're ready. They'll be ready."
And though Rasmussen has every confidence in his team to come out on top, he did suggest the semi-final contest may not have been the best preparation for the sterner test Rockhampton will pose.
"Not having those few players hurt them a bit I thought," he said of Bundaberg.
"It's not the best preparation for us coming into a grand final game, but we'll take the win.
"It's always good to have that tougher game so you're in that sort of mode. But it is what it is. We'll take the win and move on."
To the eye of fans and coach Joel Khalu, Rasmussen continues to stand out, even as the end of season 14 as a Meteor draws close.
It's not as easy as he makes it look, the big man said.
"I'm hitting a few shots here and there but the old body doesn't feel like it's getting better, I'll tell you that," he joked.
Mackay Basketball Stadium will host the ConocoPhillips CQ Cup grand final next Saturday night.
Tickets are on sale through Mackay Basketball.
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