Game Preview: Boomers v Capitals
Saturday 19th March 5:00pm AEDT
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers face the UC Capitals at the Boom Box in the final game of regular season this Saturday night.
Both teams are looking to head into the final series with a win as they battle for a top two finish on the ladder and the opportunity to host a home semi-finals series.
The Boomers will be celebrating Indigenous round, and the team are proud to be wearing the artwork, Moodoogorok, created by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist, Melinda Kennedy.
The combination of the Mookitj (Kangaroo apple) and the Kurrarra (dilly bag) pattern combine to depict Moodoogorok, meaning the wise leader woman.
The last time these two teams met, the Boomers ground it out to a 2-point victory. We struggled with momentum and rhythm against the Caps in the opening half but turned up the heat in the final term as skipper, Cayla George, pulled up clutch from beyond the arc and Lindsay Allen performed a masterclass from all over the court.
Brittany Sykes and Tahlia Tupea proved to be dangerous against the Boomers in their last match-up. Both players brought the pressure, showing the Capitals’ offensive accuracy and dominance in defensive sets.
The Capitals had come in hot with a two-game winning streak until a shock loss to Adelaide (final score, 50-81) last night and will be looking to prove this was merely a blip in the radar in the run into finals.
Last week, they came up against Perth Lynx on the road and walked away with a 16-point victory. Sykes continued her season of dominant performances ending the game with 32 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists, and is averaging 17.5 points per game.
Additionally, Kelsey Griffin has displayed high shooting accuracy this season averaging 16 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game, finishing with a 20-point game high in their last game against the Boomers.
The Boomers walked away with a convincing victory last round against Adelaide Lightning.
Ezi Magbegor displayed her dominance from all over the court, ending the match with a game-high 23 points – averaging 16 points per game this season. George also showed her fire as she ended with a double-double, 23 points and 13 rebounds, averaging 13.7 points and 11.1 rebounds this season. Magbegor and George will be looking to continue to bring their dominance and fire to the final match of the regular season.
To get a home-game victory, the Boomers will need to bring the same high intensity and pressurised game to the Capitals, as they did last time the two teams meet but even more so, last week against Lightning.
They will need to continue their offensive hunger and accuracy, and dominance in defensive sets.
Offensive communication, converting on secondary opportunities and controlling a fast-paced game will be key walking into this match-up.
Penina Davidson will be missing from the line-up this game, due to concussion health and safety protocols.
After nine amazing years, this final round will also mark Guy Molloy’s last game of the regular season with the Boomers. The club will also be officially celebrating Cayla’s 300th WNBL game milestone in front of the home crowd.
The Boomers will be depending on their supporters cheering in the stands to lift them to a win and secure their best finals place at the Boom Box. Be sure to grab your tickets and come along to support the Boomers as they celebrate Indigenous round and end the season with what will be a gripping game!
Game details:
Deakin Melbourne Boomers V UC Capitals
Melbourne Sports Centre, Parkville
Saturday 19th March
5:00pm AEDT / 4:00pm AEST
Watch LIVE + FREE on ABC/Foxtel & Kayo