Grill’d Post-Game Report Round 6
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have spoiled the Sydney Flames’ party, which was meant to be a celebration of the home team’s first game at their new venue the Quay Centre. The Boomers extended their winning streak to five after a 73-63 victory over the Flames in Sydney.
The Boomers were aggressive early, with Kristy Wallace and Tiffany Mitchell both pushing the ball and attacking the rim to set the tone for the away team. The Flames made tough shots to get out to an early lead, but it was some clutch shot-making by Mia Murray which kept the Boomers in the game. However, missed opportunities at the rim, and some busted defensive sets by Melbourne, meant the Flames were able to go into quarter-time with a handy 25-16 lead.
The second quarter saw Sydney continue their hot shooting despite the defensive pressure of the Boomers. The Flames extended their lead to 14 as they shot 50% from the field, compared to just 31% for the Boomers. Olivia Nelson-Ododa got herself into the scoring column to counter the Flames offensive avalanche, and this kicked off a run by the visitors with Mitchell making a tough bucket before sustaining a wrist injury. The lead was pegged back to eight, however the Flames were able to recapture the momentum with more hot shooting. Murray kept the Boomers attached with a trademark three, and Wallace broke away for a fast-break basket to bring the lead down to six, but it was 39-32 Sydney at the half.
Nelson-Ododa came out aggressive in the third, getting to the rack and free throw line, and also proved a menace on the offensive glass. The Boomers took the lead with six minutes to go after a monster three from Miela Goodchild. The Flames regained their mojo after a slow start to the quarter, and wrestled back the lead, which seesawed throughout the third. Mitchell, coming back with her wrist strapped and showing no signs of discomfort, finally hit a triple to give the Boomers a four-point lead at the final break.
Murray came out firing to knock down a triple to start the fourth, and Nelson-Ododa again proved strong in the paint, finishing through contact as she continues to show improvement. Boomers had the momentum, but were unable to definitively put the Flames away with Sydney Captain Keely Froling bringing up her 20th point with a huge three which brought her team within two points. Cayla George, despite a quiet offensive game, came up clutch when needed with a three to extend the lead to five with just three-minutes left in the game. Wallace took the lead out further with a strong drive to the basket and assist to Penina Davidson, which put the pressure on Sydney via an eight-point deficit. Another George three with a minute to go sealed it for the Boomers as the Flames ran out of time. The Boomers ultimately came away with a 10-point win: 73-63.
Mia Murray and Tiffany Mitchell led the scoring with 15, while George was a monster on the boards yet again with 15 rebounds. Kristy Wallace had five assists, and George also chipped in with four dimes.
The Boomers have little time to celebrate as they play again in less than 48 hours – this time in Adelaide versus the Lightning in a rematch of last season’s semi-final series. The team then flies home to again do battle against Adelaide, this time at the State Basketball Centre on December 22 in the club’s Holiday Game. Tickets are available at ticketek.com.au.