The Maitland Mustangs were unable to curb the influence of key Norths Bears swingman Erik Dorbek in their 88-74 loss at Maitland Federation Centre on Saturday night.
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It was the type of assignment US import Tyler Monroe would have relished, but the influential American was unavailable due to the birth of his second child.
Instead it was Dorbek who delivered Monroe-like statistics of 31 points and 12 rebounds.
However, there was plenty to like about Maitland’s efforts who were also without key scorer Daniel Millburn. Four players made double figures led by captain Terrell Turner with 24.
Taiga Cantor landed 13 in his return game for the Mustangs, Jack Edwards also scored 13 and Sam fell one short of a double-double with nine rebounds and 11 points.
Maitland’s play-off hopes are still very much alive, with the Mustangs just three wins behind sixth placed Sutherland.