The Redbacks were without top scorer Zac Dunmore and Jayden Wright in the blockbuster game in Horsham.

Dunmore and Wright both suffered injuries in the last round of the Country Basketball League south-west conference.

The Hornets got off to a great start early and never looked back, with quick ball movement and an emphasis on transition points proving too much for the Redbacks.

Redbacks coach Marcus Jenkins said despite the loss he was really happy with how the team played.

“We stuck to our defensive structure. We set a goal to keep a number of their players to low scores and I think we executed the plan well,” he said.

The Redbacks were down by 10 at quarter-time and were looking to find other options to the basket.

“DJ Woods was unwell and almost didn’t step onto the court. He had an impact in the first half but didn’t play many minutes in the second half,” Jenkins said.

Down by 18 at halftime, Jenkins said he was really proud of how the team was able to come out after halftime and keep the intensity up.

“It’s an area where we have been lacking in the last few weeks and we have been working really hard behind the scenes to get it right,” he said.

“I think things are finally starting to fall into place. Now we need to work on not getting complacent with our plan.”

Jenkins said he was impressed with the team's ability to switch up defensive play “on the fly” during the game.

“I put a defensive set out to the team on Friday night, one we have never practiced before. They executed it well. It just adds another level and more options of things we can do on the game day to switch it up,” he said.

The team was down by 33 points at three-quarter time.

“To our credit, I am really happy that no one gave up. The scoreboard didn’t give the game justice on how well we played and held the Hornets accountable,” he said.

Sam Cronin was a welcome addition back into the side after missing the previous rounds double-header due to unavailability.

Cronin top scored with 10 points for the Redbacks while Logan Spark chipped in with nine.

The Redbacks were able to keep the undefeated Hornets to a respectable final score of 86-56.

“As much as I hate to lose, I am really happy with the outcomes we can take away from the game,” Jenkins said.

“With three of our key scorers either out or not playing a full game, I was so proud with how the team members stood up to the challenge and put up a really great fight.”

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