Ultimate Game Guide: Boomers head north to fight with Fire

With just two rounds remaining in the 2019/20 WNBL regular season, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers will this Saturday play their final away game in Townsville before the Finals series commences in February.

While a place in the Finals is now locked for the Boomers, they must  win their remaining two games and hope the UC Capitals lose one of theirs to secure second spot on the ladder and have the home court advantage for the Semi’s.

While Townsville won’t be playing Finals, and have recently released Abby Bishop, they’ve had a few good wins over the past few weeks, and will no doubt be looking to upset the more fancied Boomers.

It’s yet to be seen whether star point-guard Lindsey Allen will play this week, following a week on the sidelines with knee soreness, however the Boomers have shown they have a strong backup in Stella Beck, who was outstanding last week against the Caps and Flames. 

What you need to know:

Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Townsville Fire

Townsville Stadium

Saturday January 25th, tipping off at 6:00pm (local time)

Can’t make it…

You can catch all the action on the WNBL livestream, also keep up with the livestats here.

Boomer Updates

The Boomers suffered two consecutive exceptionally close overtime battles in the past two rounds but bounced back with a 14-point win against the Sydney Uni Flames last Saturday.

With only two season games remaining, the Boomers will be focused on winning both to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing the regular season in second place.

Keep a watchful eye out for…

Stella Beck started in the point guard position in Round 14, and was simply superb. On Friday against the UC Capitals she made three from four from the perimeter and finished up with 17 points, which she followed up with 10 on Saturday against the Sydney Uni Flames. Coming up against her old team look out for another strong performance from Beck. 

Ezi Magbegor had a massive weekend on the road with the Boomers. Undeniably having one of her best seasons yet, Magbegor had a team high 25 points and five rebounds against Sydney, and 14 points and four rebounds against the Caps. An undersized Townsville will have to work hard to contain her, and her partner in the paint, Cayla George.

Townsville Fire Intel

Thanks to the sharp shooting of import Julia Vanloo and Tess Madgen, the Fire have one of the highest three-point percentages in the league this season, with 36% efficiency from beyond the arc.

Better look out for…

Darcee Garbin, who is in the top 10 league leaders for points made this season. Garbin is shooting at 45% from the field for the season and continues to be a threat to her opponents. Last round Garbin nabbed a double-double with 16 points and10 rebounds.

Player of the round a few weeks ago, Bridget Carleton has the second highest three-point count for the league this season (42 3PM) and has been shooting at a high 45% from beyond the arc. Carleton will no doubt be wanting to finish the season with a strong few games, so expect her to come out fighting.

Stay connected…

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Up Next…

The Boomers will play their last season match against the Perth Lynx at the State Basketball Centre on Saturday the 1st, before the International break and then the Finals series kicking off. Tickets here.