New import Konor Kulas has made a huge impression on debut for the Werribee Devils in a 109-101 victory in the Big V basketball men’s state championship season opener at Eagle Stadium on Sunday.
Kulas, a 201 centimetre forward, scored 33 points to go with 13 rebounds, immediately endearing himself to the Devils’ faithful.
Kulas, an American who has played professionally in Germany, went to the free throw line 19 times for 16 makes.
While Kulas was the standout, it was an even Devils performance with plenty of contributions.
Deng Chan had a major presence with 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals in just 21 minutes. Bryan Nagy, with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals, and Dominic Bruno, with 11 points and three assists, each hit three three-pointers.
Tyrone Remy had a solid all-round game with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Trailing by two at half-time, Werribee put the foot on the accelerator with a 28 to 20 third period, which was the catalyst to its victory.
Werribee will hit the road on Saturday night to face the Ringwood Hawks in its last game before the Easter break.
In women’s division 1, Werribee Devils took out a low scoring game 49-33 over Warrandyte Venom at the Warrandyte Sports Complex.
Despite shooting just 25 per cent for the game, the Devils found a way to win on the back of a stellar performance from Sam Moodie, with 13 points, 18 rebounds and three assists.
New import Alyssa Bennett found the going tough, hitting just two-from-13 from the field for six points and 10 rebounds.
Georgia Tauschke was important for the Devils off the bench with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Werribee is back on the road in round two, where it will travel to play the Camberwell Dragons on Sunday.
