Knox Basketball is proud to announce it has helped raise $3,500 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at the SEABL Mid-Season Spectacular this past Saturday night. The Knox Ford Raiders night of night’s saw 1,953 spectators witness the Raiders men and women pull out two thrilling victories against the Brisbane Spartans whilst enjoying a past NBL players half-time shoot out and entertainment from singer-songwriter Chris Mitchell and dance group Attitude Plus.

Knox Converse Stadium was turned pink in support of the NBCF with many spectators making a significant effort to dress up in fantastic pink costumes. Merchandise was popular amongst Raider Nation fans as the worthy cause was received well from those in attendance.

Doors opened at 4:45pm and it wasn’t long until the stands were full. The Knox Ford Raiders SEABL women opened up proceedings for the night when they sought redemption against the reigning Champion Lady Spartans in a closely contested battle. The Raiders trailed entering the final quarter but with a vocal home crowd behind them, the team was able to pull up a nail biting come from behind win.

Singer-songwriter Chris Mitchell whilst still relatively unknown to the public put on a special performance following the conclusion of the women’s game that did his reputation no harm as he entertained the capacity crowd and received a warm reception.
The men’s game followed shortly after lights were turned out for a spectacular player’s entrance for the Raiders and a presentation to Captain Sean Carroll who was acknowledged in advance for playing his 200th SEABL game with the Raiders to which he will play this Saturday 12th June at Sandringham Basketball Stadium, tip-off 8pm.

The Raiders played a brilliant second quarter and set themselves up a 15 point half-time lead but relinquished their lead completely in a poorly played third term. But with a vocal crowd to help them across the line, the Raiders hung tough in the final quarter and came away with an impressive three point victory to move into third place on the East Conference ladder.
Darryl ‘D-Mac’ McDonald was the winner of the past NBL players shoot out as he defeated other contestants Brett Wheeler and Knox juniors Andrew Parkinson, Glenn Siegle and Brad Sheridan.

The $3,500 raised was through a combination of gold coin donations for admission, raffle tickets sold and auction items. The figure surpasses last year’s money raised of $2,833 at the inaugural Mid-Season Spectacular.