SEMI-FINAL GAME 2 REPORT: MAR 2 V FLYERS
Last night’s matchup saw the Deakin Melbourne Boomers destroy the Southside Flyers in an epic Game 2 takedown.
The Boom Box was almost at max capacity, hosting 2900 attendees, with the Boomers fans showing their support for their team and watching the Boomers prevail in the Melbourne derby showdown.
The match was do or die for the Boomers, who had lost Wednesday night’s Game 1 against the Flyers, 90-86 and their fight to survive was surely put on display.
The great rivals remained quite level throughout the first half, with tight margins and great defensive efforts on both sides.
The second half saw the Boomers take off and leave the Flyers in the dust, with the team gelling in a way not seen much of on court this season.
With such an interrupted season with many injuries, the Boomers have never had their full squad, leaving them with just seven squad players for last night’s game.
It was announced yesterday that Opal Sara Blicavs had sustained a foot injury and it had been determined for her that her time in the CYGNETT WNBL Finals was over.
Penina Davidson has also been out for close to two months, missing her shot at the Olympic qualifiers in China. She, however, is on a clearer road to recovery, with her game participation resting on a Game Day decision.
Both players were valiantly watching from the sidelines cheering on their phenomenal team who delivered a 21 point victory against the hometown rivals, 88-67.
The Melbourne Boomers were in tremendous shape last night, with Kristy Wallace starting to look like her old self again, clutching 5 boards and putting on an amazing performance for an ingratiated fan base who had been missing her all season.
Naz Hillmon also had a hell of a game, with 22 points and 9 rebounds, pushing herself to great offensive efforts inside the key, coming up against Southside’s frontline Mercedes Russell, Carly Ernst and Lauren Jackson.
Hillmon had a perfect free throw record last night, going 15 from 15, showing off the WNBA import’s extreme talent and finesse.
To no one’s surprise, reigning WNBL MVP Jordin Canada took charge and went full force in the second half, scoring 15 of her 21 total points and pushing the Flyers to the brink.
Keely Froling, Aimie Rocci and Tera Reed also had amazing games, all of whom shone in Game 1 and continued to flaunt their IQ’s and shooting accuracy on court.
The Flyers had a great intensity in the first half, but later got wrapped up in referee calls and with Nyadiew Puoch getting fouled off in the fourth, the Boomers took advantage and hit them hard with their defensive and offensive efforts.
Last night’s match rounded out 88-67 with the Boomers taking home Game 2 at home surrounded by adoring fans who had witnessed a fantastic display of grit, determination and athleticism.
There’s an air of deja vu surrounding this CYGNETT WNBL finals series with Melbourne and Southside now being one apiece, Game 3 is certain to be a fantastic rematch from last year’s semi finals series.
The Flyers took out the win last year, but there is a fire lit from within from the Melbourne Boomers that will hopefully stay burning for Game 3.
Catch Game 3 on ESPN or Kayo, Wednesday, March 6! It’s going to be explosive!