Boomers fall short against the Flyers in a disappointing Cup Eve downfall
In what was the most anticipated match of the season, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers have suffered their first loss, in a tough competition against the Southside Flyers, 81-74.
Playing at her absolute best and leading from the front, Boomers co-captain Cayla George has come out with her third double-double of the season, and a game high score of 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Boomers had three players hit double figures on the scoreboard, with Sophie Cunningham (10 points) and Lindsay Allen (13 points and 6 assists) also having a strong court presence.
However Southside had just too much strength for the Boomers to argue with, having all five starters hitting double figures and Mercedes Russell also getting a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
With the first touch and basket made by Southside’s Russell, Boomers kept it a close competition throughout the opening quarter. Maddie Garrick hit the first score for the Boomers with an open three and at the end of the quarter Boomers trailed by only a mere five points to the Flyers, 29-24.
It was in the second quarter that the Flyers really lifted their game and gave the Boomers a run for their money, Leilani Mitchell showing off her impressive shooting skills from beyond the arc, the point guard finished on 13 points and four assists.
It was a slow run for the Boomers through the third, as the Flyers held mostly a double-digit lead, however heading into the fourth quarter, Boomers fans were hopeful of a comeback.
It was in the last minutes of the game that all the big action unfolded. Allen scored an open three closing the Flyers lead to only five. But it was when Rebecca Cole hit two from the line that Flyers officially sealed their sixth season win.
Head Coach Guy Molloy gave credit to Southside and to George as she continues to impress on the court.
“As always really proud of my team, we battled all the way to the end, got ourselves in a hole 15 down through the third into the fourth and [I] give full credit to the other team for playing a terrific game.”
“She [George] had an amazing game and we constantly had a mismatch with her, they usually had a smaller player that was on her and we were able to find her the ball. She had a terrific game.”
Allen also spoke highly of her teammates and the support system they are for each other, as well as the coaching by Molloy.
“I think Guy [Molloy] does a great job of putting us in, the best position for each player. I have great teammates who know how to score the basketball and have very high basketball IQs aswell.”
“We’re just kind of feeding off, of each other because we’re all talented right across the board.”
No rest for the Boomers however as they will face the UC Capitals again next Saturday (November 9th) at the State Basketball Centre.
Deakin Melbourne Boomers – 74 (George 23, Allen 13, Cunningham 10)
Southside Flyers – (Russel 19, Sara Blicavs 16, Cole 14)