Boomers take first game of the semi-final series against Adelaide
Semi-Final Series: Game 1 vs Adelaide Lightning
THURSDAY 24 MARCH 2022
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have taken the victory in the first game of the semi-final series against Adelaide Lightning at the Boom Box.
Melbourne outscored Adelaide in the second half, clocking up 63 – 17 points respectively, as they grinded it out to a 31-point winning difference – total score, 95 – 64.
Lindsay Allen lit up the stadium with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists, whilst Tess Madgen showed what she can do under pressure with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
All the Melbourne starting five ended the night with double figures on the scoreboard.
Melbourne had a slow start to the night as they were unable to convert in offence and capitalise on second chance opportunities.
Adelaide found their rhythm early in the game but couldn’t maintain momentum as Melbourne found their form and turned it up another level and were unstoppable in the second half, displaying their grit and determination.
Adelaide’s Alanna Smith started the night with a pull up jump shot which was quickly responded to by Madgen, with an explosive drive to the basket.
Steph Talbot was also on the board early for Adelaide, following Madgen’s drive with the same at the other end.
Madgen and Tiffany Mitchell linked up as Madgen was fired up, hitting from beyond the arc.
It was end-to-end in the opening minutes as both teams were trying to find their rhythm – 17 points were scored between the sides in two and a half minutes.
Adelaide broke away as they brought the pressure in defence and capitalised on second chance opportunities.
Melbourne struggled to covert from beyond the arc but maintained scoreboard pressure as they capitalised inside the key.
Allen started her night with a strong drive to the basket, followed by a jump shot – keeping Melbourne on the board.
Adelaide’s Marena Whittle finished the first term with a buzzer beater from beyond the arc, extending the lead, 26 – 13.
Ezi Magbegor started the second term with a block on Whittle, giving Allen a fast break. She was fouled inside the key and converted at the foul line.
Allen followed up with a steal at the opposition end, as Magbegor and Cayla George linked up, with Magbegor converting inside the key.
Despite Melbourne finding momentum in the opening minutes, Adelaide maintained high pressure in defence causing two shot clock violations from Melbourne.
The Lightning continued to convert on the scoreboard, as Kylee Shook and Smith scored consecutive jump shots.
Madgen ignited the Boomers once again with a shot from beyond the arc, bringing the margin to 10 points. This pattern continued for much of the quarter, Madgen using her grit, consistency, and basketball IQ to ground the team and keep Melbourne in the game.
Mitchell fired up at the end of the term, bringing the pressure in the Adelaide offensive transitions and executing a couple of explosive drives to the basket, nabbing a bucket and two from the free throw line.
Adelaide quickly responded as Melbourne started gain back some momentum by converting and capitalising on their opportunities.
The Lightning were converting more consistently on the board, with 64% field goal accuracy, as Melbourne continued to struggle with 38%. Adelaide maintained their lead at half-time, 47 – 32.
Melbourne came out revved up in the third term as they hit consecutive shots, whilst Adelaide were unable to respond. Magbegor capitalised on a second chance opportunity in the opening minutes, converting at the foul line.
Melbourne increased their pressure in defence and as a result, Mitchell and Madgen shared in executing three consecutive shots from beyond the arc. Mitchell fired two threes in a row, with Madgen adding her own off the back of Magbegor forcing another steal, bringing the difference to 6-points.
George kept the three’s rolling for Melbourne, as Magbegor dominated rebounds inside the key, converting at the basket and at the foul line.
Magbegor and Allen linked up with an inside out play – Allen hitting yet another three for Melbourne.
Melbourne took the lead in the closing minutes, as Madgen landed another three for her side. George closed the term out with an offensive rebound and converted at the board.
Melbourne led at the break, 62 – 59, having outscored Adelaide by 25 points in the term.
Melbourne continued their momentum into the final term as Allen and George linked up with an inside look, converting at the basket. Allen was executing all over the court as she made a three-point play, multiple strong drives to the basket, and hit from beyond the arc – beating the shot clock.
George continued to lead her team with crucial offensive and defensive plays, scoring two inside shots for her team and taking numerous rebounds.
After consecutive misfires from both teams, Ernst hit from beyond the perimeter breaking the dry spell.
Lily Scanlon came out in the closing minutes and executed an explosive layup, extending the lead for her team.
Melbourne took the momentum in the second half displaying their poise, determination, and fight. Final score, 95 – 64.
George continued her string of dominant performances with 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Mitchell showed her offensive dominance with 17 points, and Magbegor ended the night with 14 points and five rebounds.
Melbourne will continue their finals campaign this Saturday, 26th March, with the second game of the semi-finals away from home, against Adelaide at the Lights Sports and Community Centre. You can watch all the action LIVE & FREE on ABC and live on Kayo.
Image credit: Getty Images/Kelly Defina