POST-GAME REPORT DECEMBER 15 V UC CAPITALS
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers fell short tonight up against the UC Capitals at the Southern Cross Stadium in Canberra.
It marked the first win of the season for the Capitals, winning on home soil but not their traditional home ground. There was a venue change for the December 15 game from the National Convention Centre but that didn’t stop the Capitals from dominating the court.
The starting five for the Melbourne Boomers were Sara Blicavs, Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon, Aimee Rocci and Keely Froling. For the UC Capitals, Jade Melbourne, Alex Sharp, Monica Okoye, Alex Fowler and Nicole Munger helped to kick off the Round 7 game.
Naz Hillmon got the game started with a driving layup but the Capitals were ready for a fight. Alex Sharp and Gemma Potter both scored amazing threes, putting the Capitals in front.
Canada was running on the floor and was hard on the offence but the Boomers’ defensive efforts were not enough to subdue the Capitals, ending the quarter with Canberra in front, 20-16.
Tera Reed opened the second quarter with an amazing 3-pointer, her 12th of the season and the Boomers made use of their strength in the key through Sara Blicavs and Keely Froling to secure some points.
However, things came to a head (quite literally!) during a clash with Jade Melbourne and Jordin Canada, leaving Canada bloody and bruised with a cut on the forehead and Melbourne without her front tooth.
The quarter was put on pause as both players received medical attention but resumed promptly, continuing a great run for the Capitals. Canada remained on the bench for the rest of the game but Melbourne made a return with three minutes left in the quarter. Gemma Potter scored two 3-pointers once the quarter got underway again, giving the Boomers an early headache and closing out the half, 46-37.
The third quarter opened with both teams fired up. Rocci and Blicavs scored the opening points for the Boomers but Monica Okoye scored two baskets early on, keeping the Capitals in front.
Melbourne was unfazed by her injury, scoring an early 3 and securing 9 points in the quarter. Hillmon and Reed did their best to narrow the margin and a quick layup by Penina Davidson closed the quarter seven points behind, 65-58.
The fourth was a tricks competition between the two teams, players pulling out the stops with their shots. Monique Conti made an incredible assist passing backwards over her head to Blicavs who knocked down a three-point shot.
Melbourne and Alex Fowler were on fire, scoring 6 and 12 points respectively, putting on a show for their hometown crowd and locking down the win for the UC Capitals, 84-72.
The Melbourne Boomers couldn’t ultimately secure the win, but Naz Hillmon had a great game and secured a double double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Round 7 game marked the Melbourne Boomer’s second loss of the season, giving them lots to reflect on and how they may need to change up their game, should Canada get another more permanent injury.
The Melbourne Boomers have a tight turnaround this week with their next Home Game on Sunday, December 17 at 3pm against the Adelaide Lightning, who are coming off of a fresh loss against Bendigo Spirit!
Purchase tickets for our next Home Game against the Adelaide Lightning at the Boom Box HERE or you can watch for free on 9Now!
OFFER: We have 20% off all upcoming home game tickets this season. Use code BOOMBOX to receive 20% off your tickets. Offer expires on Christmas Eve!!