BA CoE Dominate Sydney Comets in NBL1 Eastern Upset

Date: 31 May 2026 | Division: NBL1 Eastern | Venue: AIS Arena, Canberra

In a surprising result, the BA CoE (Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence) toppled the league-leading Sydney Comets 76–62 in an NBL1 Eastern showdown on Sunday morning. The young CoE squad used a suffocating defense and a balanced offensive attack to hand the Comets their third loss of the season and send a message to the rest of the division.

Match Overview

The Comets entered the game with an 11–1 record, but they were stifled from the opening tip. BA CoE forced 21 turnovers and held Sydney to just 35% shooting from the field. The CoE also won the battle of the boards 44–38, with their height advantage proving crucial in the paint.

Key Moments

• First Half Stifling: The CoE led 38–28 at halftime, thanks to a 12–2 run late in the second quarter. Guard Riley Thompson (14 points, 6 assists, 4 steals) was a pest on defense, picking the pockets of Comets ball-handlers.
• Third Quarter Separation: After the Comets cut the lead to 50–44, BA CoE responded with an 8–0 burst, capped by a three-pointer from forward Lachlan Smith (18 points, 9 rebounds). The lead would never dip below double digits again.
• Frustration for Comets: Sydney’s star guard Ben McMillan (12 points, 3–12 shooting) was held well below his average, and the team’s offense never found a rhythm against the CoE’s switching defense.

Standout Performers

• BA CoE: Lachlan Smith (18 pts, 9 reb, 2 stl), Riley Thompson (14 pts, 6 ast, 4 stl), Jake O’Brien (10 pts, 11 reb, 3 blk).
• Sydney Comets: Ben McMillan (12 pts, 4 reb), Tom Davidson (10 pts, 6 reb), Alex Kowalski (8 pts, 5 ast).

Season Impact

The win gives the BA CoE a 7–4 record, moving them into a tie for fourth place in the NBL1 Eastern standings. For the Comets (11–3), this loss is a wake-up call as they see their lead at the top shrink. Both teams will look to regroup in their upcoming games.