Post-Game Report January 13 v Townsville Fire
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers were looking to turn the tables on the Townsville Fire after their loss to them earlier in Round 11 on Wednesday evening. A win for the Boomers was crucial to maintaining their top two position on the Cygnett WNBL ladder. With Head Coach Chris Lucas returning after entering Covid protocols, they were able to record a 94-58 win.
The Boomers came to play on Saturday evening and immediately looked to have a change in attitude on the court, playing a much more aggressive game style against the Fire. Naz Hillmon and Sara Blicavs opened the scoring for the Boomers with a couple of quick baskets. The Fire were able to respond just as quickly with Zitina Aokuso pulling up for a jumper and Sami Whitcomb splashing a three from downtown. Scores were tight to begin the quarter in what was shaping up to be an aggressive fast-tempo game. Hillmon played tight defense on Aokuso which saw her find it hard to hit the scoreboard all quarter, which proved costly for the Fire as the Boomers got themselves out to an eight-point lead midway through the first.
Amanda Zahui B responded immediately with a strong layup after Coach Seebohm called for a timeout to slow the momentum of the Boomers however, she went down with a leg injury after the shot, which saw her leave the court for the remainder of the game. The Boomers were playing better team basketball and showing an overall higher physicality in their game compared to Wednesday; this resulted in a healthy 25-16 lead at the first break.
After an impressive first quarter from Hillmon, she began the second by converting from beyond the arc to maintain the Boomers lead and keep the Fire at arm’s length. It was basket-for-basket in the early stages of the quarter with Jordin Canada, Aimie Rocci, and Keely Froling all contributing to the growing margin for the Boomers.
A Cassandra Brown three which cut the Boomers lead to seven, forced Coach Lucas to call a timeout. The Boomers responded immediately with a 7-0 run to extend the lead to 14, which was headed by Canada and Froling. Hillmon continued to stamp her dominance in the paint late in the second as the Boomers finished the half in front, 47-35.
The Boomers began the second half with an impressive 15-0 run with Blicavs, Froling, Hillmon, Canada, and Penina Davidson contributing to the run. Mikaela Ruef of the Fire broke the scoring run with classy turnaround jumper with four minutes left to play in the quarter. Hillmon then proceeded to put on a masterclass in the paint and proved hard to stop as she added six points to her tally in a matter of minutes. The quarter was soured for the Boomers with Davidson leaving the court with a leg injury, and not returning to the court for the remainder of the game. The momentum was all with the Boomers to end the third as they entered the fourth with a 27-point lead.
Blicavs was quick to extend the Boomers lead out to 29 with a basket within seconds of the final quarter starting. The Boomers aggressive and quick tempo game style was no match for the Fire, as they continued to blow the lead out. Sherrie Calleia came off the bench for her first minutes of the game and made an impact on the scoreboard, adding four points to her name. Young Boomers Lilly Rotunno, Lily Carmody, and Paige Burrows checked in, in the final stages of the quarter to seal the victory, in what was a much-needed win for the Boomers.
The Melbourne Boomers now head into a well-deserved seven-day break and will return to the Boom Box on Sunday the 21st of January at 3 pm as they take on cross-town rivals, the Southside Flyers for the final time this season. This is poised to be an exciting match-up as both teams will be looking to add a win to their tally in the run to the finals.
Tickets are walking out the door, and with only two home games left for the season, you won’t want to miss your Boomers in action. Tickets can be purchased here.