POST-GAME REPORT JANUARY 3 V SOUTHSIDE FLYERS
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers had a phenomenal comeback win last night against the Southside Flyers at the Boom Box, 67-61.
The win was unexpected with the Boomers coming fresh off a loss on Saturday against the Bendigo Spirit who currently sit sixth on the WNBL ladder.
Both teams had come head to head in early November with the Boomers clutching the win then but had been slumping in recent games, particularly at the home court, the Boom Box.
The Melbourne Derby was always going to be a tight match between the now third and fourth seated teams with both teams having strong offensive efforts and amazing players.
Both Boomers and Flyers brought the aggression right from the beginning of the first and were offensively strong, with a quick fade away by Jordin Canada and a 3 point pull up shot by Naydiew Puoch in the first minute of the quarter.
Both the Flyers and Boomers were consistent in their deliveries of offensiveness and defensive rebounds, with six different Boomers getting points on the board.
The first ended with a tie between the two teams, 21-21 and Michele Timms received her acknowledgement gift at quarter time, a lovely appearance for Round 2 of the Michele Timms Cup.
The second quarter took a dark turn for the Melbourne Boomers who fell behind the Flyers, missing 17 shots.
Southside however shone offensively with Puoch and Mercedes Russell clinching several layups as well as Leilani Mitchell scoring back to back 3’s.
The Flyers also battled quite defensively, blocking several of the Boomers shots, and aided by the Boomers’ shooting inaccuracies, put them on an offensive path and in front at half end, 30-41.
Boomers’ fans were already anticipating another loss going at the Boom Box into the second half, no one was expecting the explosive energy the Boomers were about to bring to the court.
The Boomers came alive in the second half, utlising their defensive energy particularly in the Flyers’ key and deflecting many of their attempted shots.
Monique Conti had one of her best quarters of the season so fair, scoring 11 points with her 3 point shot coming off a defensive rebound by co-captain Keely Froling.
Sara Blicavs also had a massive quarter, scoring three 3 point jump shots in the third and helped to end the quarter in front, 55-52, and making a huge comeback going into the final quarter.
The fourth started slower for the Boomers with some quick shots missed and early buckets made by the Flyers, both teams having turnovers early in the quarter also.
Boomers’ however begun to play incredible defence, making steals and clutching defensive boards to bring down to the other side of the court and clutch points.
Canada claiming three steals, assisted by Boomers’ favourite Penina Davidson and her offensive and defensive rebounds, gave the Boomers’ more chances to score and maintain their lead.
The shooting was however still inaccurate for both sides, the Boomers only making 40% of 67 shots and 32% of 64 shots for the Flyers.
The Melbourne Boomers managed to maintain their lead in the nail-biting final minutes, blocking the Flyers and ultimately bagging the win, 67-61.
It was a real battle but the Boomers came out on top, needed in the midst of an interrupted season by several injuries and losses.
The Melbourne Boomers now sit 3rd on the WNBL ladder and will be back at the Boom Box on January 10 to hopefully again take down the Townsville Fire.
The Jan 10 match will start at 7:00pm and will be avaliable for viewing on ESPN.
You can purchase tickets here to see the Boomers put out the Townsville Fire at the Boom Box, Parkville!