Post-Game Report January 24 v Perth Lynx
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers went into Wednesday night’s match-up against the Perth Lynx needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive. The Cygnett WNBL ladder is tight and the race to finals is wide open from 2nd-5th. The Boomers 90-76 win over the Lynx at the Boom Box sees them hold their position in the top four, whilst the Lynx sit just outside the four in fifth.
Jordin Canada was quick to hit the scoreboard first for the Boomers in what was the start of an 11-0 run to start the first with all starters for the Boomers contributing to the run. Alex Ciabattoni of the Lynx was able to end the run with a drive through the lane however, the momentum was all with the Boomers from there as they went out on a 12-0 run to lead 23-2, with three minutes left to play in the quarter. The Lynx had no answers for the Boomers and play was concluded in the first by Canada nailing a three on the buzzer to give them a 33-9 lead going into the second.
The Lynx found some form in the second and started to forge a comeback which was led by former Boomer Miela Goodchild, who added 10 points to her tally for the quarter. Naz Hillmon was back to being a dominant force in the paint in the second and assisted the Boomers in keeping the Lynx at arm’s length. The Lynx were able to have a 32-point quarter which seemed worrying for the Boomers heading into the second half.
In her 100th game for the Boomers, Monique Conti came to play in the second half by beginning the third with two car park threes and a classy steal and lay-up to get the Boomers back to a 14-point lead. Sara Blicavs and Keely Froling were other contributors to the Boomers tally, and Tera Reed & Aimie Rocci were strong showings off the bench as the Boomers got out to a 20-point lead heading into the final quarter.
The start of the fourth belonged to Froling and Conti; Froling was a force in the paint and Conti still had a hot hand as she continued to hurt the Lynx from beyond the arc. The Boomers were no match for the Lynx in the final term despite Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard trying to forge a comeback late in the quarter hitting back-to-back-to-back triples. Grace Graham, Sherrie Calleia, Paige Burrows, Lily Carmody, and Lily Rotunno checked in late for the Boomers and played out the final minutes to secure the 90-76 win.
The Melbourne Boomers are now on a six-day break before they make the trip down the highway to face the Bendigo Spirit on Tuesday 30 January at 6 pm. You can tune into the game on 9Now.
Whilst Wednesday evening’s game was our final regular season home game, the Boomers would love your support from home in our final away games of the fixture. We hope to be back at the Boom Box for the Cygnett WNBL Finals!