Post-Game Report – November 12 V Sydney Flames
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have locked down their third straight win for the Cygnett WNBL 2023/24 season, extinguishing the Sydney Flames at Qudos Bank Arena, 95-80. It was the Boomers’ 11th consecutive win against the Flames, and they came up against some familiar faces – Cayla George, Tess Madgen and Guy Molley whilst Keely Froling also went head-to-head with her old teammates for the first time this season.
The Boomers were neck and neck with the Flames to start the first who were led by the hot hands of Didi Richards and Laura Nicholson. The Boomers began to hold their own and Jordin Canada utilised her speed and athleticism to create opportunities on the offensive end. It was Froling who was on fire in the post and scored 12 points to help the Boomers get a lead at the end of the first break, 25-23.
It was tight again to start the second quarter, with the Flames taking the lead from the Boomers early on with George hitting a three. The pace picked up three minutes in and the Boomers began to gel with Canada and Naz Hillmon helping the Boomers push themselves into the lead. Nicholson and Richards managed to keep the Flames scorching the heels of the Boomers. However, George was in foul trouble, leaving the court at half time with three fouls against her. Canada and Froling were strong in offence for the Boomers, with both of them finishing the half with 100% FG. The Boomers held out a narrow lead and closed out the half, 48-44.
The Boomers’ starting five continued to be a strong hold on the game and Froling proceeded to be a strong presence in the post. Tera Reed was consistent in her performance, following up from her amazing execution on court last week against Southside, scoring seven points. Monique Conti returned to form after finishing up the 2023 AFLW season and checked in for her first game for the Boomers of the Cygnett WNBL 2023/24 season. She immediately made an impact by hitting a three from the corner. The Boomers began to blow the lead out at the end of the third against the Flames, 71-57.
Penina Davidson started us off in the fourth by hitting the scoreboard with a jump shot. However, the Flames responded with three quick buckets to cut our lead to 10, which forced Coach Lucas to an early timeout. Sara Blicavs came back onto court with some motivation and hit a three. The Flames start to capitalize on our errors, going out on a 6-0 run. George fouled out midway through the quarter which looked to be a turning point in the game. The Flames kept hitting us hard on the scoreboard, but the Boomers maintained a steady lead to hold on to win, 95-80.
The Boomers are 3-0 for the season and have a week off before they play their first Home Opener at the Boom Box in Parkville against Bendigo Spirit on November 19. Tickets are available by clicking here.