Boomers Win A Thriller In Bendigo

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have mastered a dramatic overtime win off the back of a miraculous long-range triple by Lindsay Allen that sent the game into extra time.

The talented import delivered an amazing shot on the buzzer of regulation time to force the game into an extra period. From there, the Boomers came out on top 71-67.

Earlier, the game looked safe in the hands of the Boomers when they led by as much as 16pts prior to the last period, but a barnstorming finish by the Spirit brought the game to life.

Needing the win to keep their finals hopes alive, the home team went on an 18-0 run to all but deflate the Boomers. However, the league’s ladder-leaders found a way to score the last 5pts of regulation time to force a further 5-minutes.

Allen’s amazing buzzer-beater brought the large travelling Boomers army to their feet.

Overtime saw the Boomers add two quick baskets, but it was a huge trey from skipper Jenna O’Hea that pushed the result beyond Bendigo’s reach.

Playing her 250th WNBL game O’Hea’s big shot could not have come at a better time.

Earlier in the game Cayla George moved to 3rd on the league’s all-time list for rebounds. The star forward finished the game with 13pts, 16rbs and 5ast.

Some other key game stats included the Boomers winning the rebounds 49-42, while Bendigo visited the charity stripe 25 times (20 makes) compared to Melbourne’s 4 trips for 3 makes.

The victory gives the Boomers a 12-5 record, which should just about cement a top-four spot, though where they finally land will be determined in the weeks ahead with games against Perth (twice), Adelaide and Dandenong still to come.

The Boomers are next in action on Friday night (January 4) back at the State Basketball Centre against the Perth Lynx. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.

Deakin Melbourne Boomers 71 (Lindsay Allen 27pts, Cayla George 13pts & 16rbs, Steph Talbot 12pts, 11rbs) defeated Bendigo Spirit 67.