Grill’D Post-Game Report Round 1
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have defeated the Perth Lynx 104-88 in a rematch of last seasons Cygnett WNBL Grand Final Series.
Tiffany Mitchell top scored for the Boomers with 32, and added a handy 9 rebounds and 4 steals to lead the team. New addition Kristy Wallace also impressed with 24 points and a tone-setting energy on both the offensive and defensive ends. Despite becoming a new mother for the first time only weeks ago, Captain Cayla George did not skip a beat, providing 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, and some key buckets to steady the Boomers down the stretch.
The Boomers got out to an early lead behind George and Wallace, but early foul trouble saw the injection of 17-year old Paige Burrows to replace Wallace at the point guard position. Burrows more than held her own, but there was no stopping Sami Whitcomb who was on fire and helped the Lynx to a 22-19 lead at the first break.
The hot shooting from both teams continued in the second, but it was Tiffany Mitchell who took matters into her own hands and provided the energy to wrestle back the lead. Wallace re-entered the game after extended minutes on the bench and provided a spark, and the Boomers headed into half time with a narrow 51-46 lead.
It was the duo of Wallace and Mitchell who kept their first-half momentum going in the third, with the lead ballooning out to as many as 15 before the Lynx made an inevitable run, bringing the game to within seven. A clutch shot from Wallace however meant the Boomers ended the third up 80-71 against a defiant Perth club which was ready to make another run.
As expected, the Lynx cut the lead to three in the fourth quarter, and the feeling was we were in for another nail-biter reminiscent of the last time the two teams played in Perth. The second game of the Grand Final series was decided by free throws at the buzzer, but Cayla George was unwilling to let this happen again, provided a steadying presence at key moments. Veteran Mia Murray also stepped up with some clutch rebounds and timely points, but it was the Tiffany Mitchell show as the WNBA star went on to pour in shot-after-shot on offence, and terrorise the Lynx on the defensive end.
Coach Chris Lucas was thrilled with the win and praised his team following the game – not only for the efforts of Mitchell, but also for the contributions of Wallace, George and Murray.
Lucas was also high on the Boomers and his new home, saying,
“This club, off the floor and on the floor, is the most professional club I’ve ever dealt with. It’s allowing me just to focus on what I’ve got to do. I’m really enjoying it and enjoying Melbourne, and hopefully we build from here.”
The Boomers head home to Melbourne to take on cross-town rivals the Southside Flyers at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday November 9 at 6:30pm. Those unable to cheer the Boomers on live can tune in via ESPN or stream on Kayo.
Tickets for Boomers home games, which tip off on November 13 at State Sports Centres Parkville, are selling fast and available at ticketek.com.au.