SEMI-FINAL GAME 1 REPORT: FEB 28 V FLYERS
It was a disappointing start to the 2023/24 CYGNETT WNBL Finals series with the Deakin Melbourne Boomers just missing out on a win against the Southside Flyers.
The two Melbourne teams duked it out at the State Sport Centre in Parkville last night at 7pm and both gave a hell of a fight.
Tera Reed was back in good form, scoring 11 points, off the back of her concussion injury that she suffered in the Olympics qualifiers for New Zealand in China
From the jump, both the Boomers and the Flyers went in in full offensive mode, with both teams scoring quick back to back buckets.
The first half saw an intense 20 minutes of back and forth between the two teams, making buckets and clutching rebounds.
Both teams were tightly bound, closing out the half 47-44, with the Boomers in front and boosted with confidence.
However, the second half went pear shaped for the Boomers as the Flyers came out roaring and scoring, maintaining a consistent lead for the last two quarters.
Lauren Jackson (20 points, 4 rebounds), Leilani Mitchell (18 points, 5 assists) and Jasmine Dickey (16 points, 4 steals) were the high scorers for the Flyers and fought a very tight offensive and defensive game, tripping the Boomers up with turnovers and rebounds.
There was a tense moment on court in the third after Kristy Wallace fouled on Jasmine Dickey which initiated a stare down from Wallace and booing from the onlooking Flyers fans.
The third and fourth saw the Boomers timid when entering the key which lead to many turnovers and eventual buckets for the Flyers.
There was another tense final minute for the Boomers, who were sitting two points behind but two separate fouls on Leilani Mitchell by Tera Reed and Monique Conti lead to four free throw points and rounding out the game, 86-90.
Despite the loss, shooting accuracy for the Boomers was again on the incline for the first final of the Best of 3 series, rising again from 47% against the UC Capitals to 52%.
Co-captain Keely Froling had a great game as the Boomers’ top scorer with 23 points and 7 rebounds, shining her IQ and leadership skills on court.
She tried her best to level the scores between the two teams but fouls got in her and the rest of the Boomers’ path to a successful finish.
Make sure to lock down your seats for our Home Semi Final on Saturday, March 2 at 7pm at the Boom Box, next to the Melbourne Zoo! You can purchase tickets for the game here!
You will also be able to watch the second Semi Final game on ESPN and Kayo! Be sure to tune in!