Canberra Gunners named inaugural NBL1 East champions

The side triumphed 76-73 over the Maitland Mustangs on Sunday to book their ticket to the NBL1 national finals next month in Melbourne.

The Gunners led the game in the first quarter, before the Mustangs took a nine-point lead in the second.

It became a three-point game in Maitland's favour heading into final quarter in Sydney, and from there it was neck and neck.

It came down to the finals MVP Glenn Morrison securing the lead from the free throw line, before James Toohey extended the Gunners lead.

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Morrison managed 28 points and 11 rebounds to help his side to victory, and his Gunners teammate William Mayfield was next with 17-points and nine rebounds.

Gunners captain Pietro Badalassi said they always knew it was going to be a tough game.

"We're all local, homegrown talent. There's no imports here," he said.

"We all grew up together, so we knew it was going to be a special year. It's good to see the hard work pay off."

In the Waratah leagues, the Canberra Nationals Academy won the women's over the Coffs Harbour Suns 62-56.

And the Academy's Mia Slater was voted the finals MVP for her 15-point game on Sunday in Sydney.

But unfortunately it was not to be three-for-three for Canberra sides in Sydney.

The Gunners finished runners-up in the Waratah Wheelchair, after losing to the Hills Hornets on Saturday night 43-22.

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