GAME PREVIEW: BOOMERS V LIGHTNING
Semi-Finals Series: Game Two Preview
SATURDAY 26TH MARCH 5:00pm AEDT
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers will face Adelaide Lightning in the second game of the semi-final series, at the Lights Community and Sports Centre in Adelaide, this Saturday, 26th March at 5:00pm AEDT.
The Boomers are entering the second game with a 1-0 lead in the series, as they pulled off a dominant come-back in the second half of Thursday night’s game at the Boom Box.
Lightning played an intense and pressurised first half, getting good looks from beyond the arc and inside the key. Alanna Smith showed her dominance, ending with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and ten turnovers. Steph Talbot brought the heat early on with 15 points, ten rebounds and six assists.
Melbourne struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, missing second chance opportunities and lacking shooting accuracy. Despite struggling for momentum in the early on, the Boomers re-grouped and came out firing in the second half.
Melbourne hit consecutive shots from beyond the arc and maintained dominance inside the key, as the team capitalised on second chance opportunities and executed high pressure offensive and defensive plays. Ultimately the Boomers, overpowered the Lightning with, accumulating 63 – 17 points on the scoreboard in the second half, taking the win, 95 – 64.
Tess Madgen made crucial offensive plays, keeping the Boomers on the scoreboard. She ended the night with 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Lindsay Allen brought the energy for her team and lit up the stadium with 24 points, seven defensive rebounds and five assists.
The collective effort of the Boomers’ starting five led their team to victory, showing their dominance from all over the court – each ending with points to their names in double figures.
The Boomers will try to retain this momentum into the second game. They will look to execute strong offensive ball movement and communication, capitalise on second chance opportunities, bring high pressure defence, and continue their shooting accuracy evident in the second half of game one.
The Boomers will have to come out hungry for the ball and maintain their laser-focus – turning the hostile energy in the arena around to fuel them. Getting rattled will not be an option.
The Lightning will be out for redemption at their home court, with their supporters behind them and will be looking to continue their first-half performance from Thursday night’s game, for all four terms.
Will the Boomers be able to cause an upset for Lightning in their hometown? Or will Lightning take it to a decider and even up the semi-finals series 1-1?
You’ll have to watch to find out!
Game Details:
Adelaide Lightning v Deakin Melbourne Boomers
The Lights Community and Sports Centre (Adelaide)
SATURDAY 26th March
5:00pm AEDT
Watch FREE & LIVE on ABC TV, plus live on Kayo