Ultimate Game Guide: Boomers Ready for Final Double-Header
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers will play their last double-header of the 18/19 WNBL season against two other teams who have booked their place in WNBL Finals.
A big round is ahead for the Boomers, facing two of the top-four teams, Perth Lynx and Adelaide Lightning in the space of just three days – with both contests involving travel and flights.
Having won both their previous games against the two, the Boomers are in fine form to drill home a double series match-up this round.
First up the Boomers and the Lynx will battle it out again on Thursday night this time over in Perth (9:30pm Melbourne time), before potentially facing off in this year’s Semi-finals. Game updates can be followed through Boomers socials and the WNBL live stats.
The Boomers then have a quick turnaround with another game in Adelaide on Saturday against the fourth-placed Lightning (6pm Melbourne time). The game is also an NBL double-header and will be televised by Fox Sports on Channel 503.
With four wins in a row, the Boomers are in second-place on the ladder at 13-5. The Boomers need to win just one of their last three games to guarantee them a top-two finish at the seasons end.
THURSDAY JANUARY 10
WHO: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Perth Lynx
TIME: 6:30pm tip-off (9:30pm Melbourne time)
WHERE: Bendat Basketball Centre, Perth
LIVE STATS: The live stats can be accessed here
SATURDAY JANUARY 12
WHO: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Adelaide Lightning
TIME: 5:30pm tip-off (6pm Melbourne time)
WHERE: Titanium Security Arena, Adelaide
BROADCAST: The game will be televised by Fox Sports on Channel 503
2019 FINALS NEWS
The Boomers have qualified for their second consecutive WNBL Finals! Keep updated across our WNBL website and socials (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for all the important finals news and updates.
MERCHANDISE
Stock up on your Boomers merchandise at the Club’s online store before #WNBLFinals kick-start!
TEAM NEWS
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
- The Boomers are still in the running for top spot on the WNBL ladder and will be hungry to further their home-court advantage for Finals.
- Boomers youngster Ezi Magbegor has made her first Team of the Week this season following a huge Round 13.
- Captain Jenna O’Hea will be back to play following her absence last round due to personal reasons.
Perth Lynx
- With their first interstate win since November last round, the Lynx locked in their Finals berth for the fourth consecutive season.
- The third-placed Lynx still have the opportunity to take a spot in the top-two and claim a home-court Semi-final advantage.
Adelaide Lightning
- The Lightning have achieved a remarkable turnaround, where despite the off-court distractions have secured a spot in the Finals for the first time in 6 years.
- The Lightning will be eager to register their first win against this Boomers this season, particularly after the Boomers ended their five-game winning streak the last time they met.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Ezi Magbegor: Stepping up to the plate in the absence of her captain last round, the 19-year-old produced a season-best performance finishing with 17pts on 8-13 shooting and 6rebs. Her efforts gave her a nod in the Team of the Week – her first inclusion this season.
Maddie Garrick: Garrick was a crucial element in the Boomers win last round, recording 12pts and 3rebs. The now sits as the fourth highest scorer for the Boomers totalling 177pts this season and averaging a 11.8pts a game.
Perth Lynx
Asia Taylor: The American import had a big Round 13, averaging 15.5pts and 8rebs across two games. Her performance saw her with another inclusion in the WNBL Team of the Week – her fifth time this season.
Alison Schwagmeyer: Schwagmeyer has been an important component for the Lynx this season, averaging 13.61pts per game with a total of 245pts for the season – the third best in her team.
Adelaide Lightning
Aimie Clydesdale: Clydesdale recently played her 150thWNBL game for the Lightning in what has been her career-best season in terms of both points and assists.
Nicole Seekamp: Seekamp had a very influential game last round in the win that cemented Adelaide’s place in the playoffs. She finished the game with 14pts, 5rebs, 9asts and 2stls.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up-to-date on game day with our live coverage by following us on Twitter (@MelbourneBoomer) and Instagram (@melbourneboomers) and give us a like on Facebook (facebook.com/MelbourneBoomers/)!
GAME COVERAGE/BROADCAST
The January 10 game is not being televised. Stay across our socials and the WNBL live stats for all the updates.
The January 12 game is being broadcast LIVE by Fox Sports on Channel 503.
NEXT UP
Following the Saturday game, the Boomers will play their last game of the regular season against the Dandenong Rangers at Dandenong (Sat Jan 19, 6:30pm) before Finals begin.