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THE Round Seventeen Men’s SBL Player of the Week has been awarded to Earnest Ross of theQuadrio Earthmoving Geraldton Buccaneers.

Two strong Round 17 performances have seen ex-Wildcat and SBL All-Star Earnest Ross earn POTW honours. The award sees the Buccs Big-3 in Natesan, Lasher and Ross all achieving POTW recognitions in 2018.

Saturday night of the Buccs road-trip proved entertaining as the visitors where able to withstand an offensive masterclass from the Cougars’ Gavin Field who finished with 43 points. Earnest Ross provided 26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, as well as going 70% from within the arc and 100% from the line. The Buccs emerged victorious, 109-104.

Sunday saw the Buccs face an in form Lightning squad who were riding a four-game win streak heading into the contest. Ross was sublime in the encounter, registering 29 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in just over 38 minutes of action. Crucially, the Lightning lost All-Star guard Jack Isenbarger to a major leg injury sustained in the first 8 minutes of the game, which will no doubt change Lakeside’s outlook heading toward the post-season.

Following the double-win, the Buccs have now jumped and pulled clear of the Joondalup Wolves on the MSBL ladder. Ross has now posted eight season and four consecutive 20+ point games. He boasts season averages of 20.64ppg, 7.14rpg and 4.36apg, demonstrating his all-round versatility which see the Buccs in the top echelon of this year’s teams. The Buccs, enjoying a four-game streak of their own, look ahead to their 30^th anniversary festivities this Saturday at Active West Stadium where they host the Stirling Senators.

Graphic by Sports Imagery Australia