Ultimate Game Guide: Boomers set for must-win final home game
Coming off a fourth term win over the Townsville Fire in Round 15, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers are set to play the Perth Lynx this Saturday night in their final home game of the regular season before the #WNBL20 Finals series commence.
With the top four now officially locked in, and the Boomers certain to clash with the UC Capitals in their semi-final; the purple power must defeat the Lynx on Saturday night and hope that reigning champs the Caps lose to the Adelaide Lightning, in order to secure crucial home court advantage.
In their previous meetings this season, the Boomers were dominant in a nine-point victory in round eight, but lost to Perth by two points in the reverse fixture in round nine.
For Perth, this match will be their last outing of the season and with fifth place a certainty for the West Australians, ending on a high will be their sole motivation.
But a team playing without pressure can be a dangerous one, particularly one with Perth’s firepower, so Boomers fans can expect an entertaining night at the State Basketball Centre.
What you need to know:
Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Perth Lynx
State Basketball Centre
Saturday February 1st, tipping off at 7:00pm
Tickets here.
Can’t make it…
You can catch all the action on Fox Sports or KAYO, also keep up with the livestats here.
Suit-up
Want to dress like a Boomer? Merchandise will be available at the game!
Boomer Updates
Boomers stars, Cayla George and Ezi Magbegor will put on their green and gold Opals uniforms next week as they head to France for the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers.
Lindsay Allen was again rested in round 15 against the Townsville Fire and will continue being assessed and treated. An update will be made throughout the week on her playing status for this match.
Keep a watchful eye out for…
Ezi Magbegor has been an unstoppable force for the Boomers, making the WNBL Team of the Week two weeks in a row. Magbegor top scored for the Boomers in their past two matches, with 25 points against the Flames in round 14 and 21 points against the Fire in round 15.
Sophie Cunningham has been filling a crucial position in the team as a lethal outside shooter, but also powerful under the ring. Cunningham made 15 points, six rebounds and four assists in the Boomers last match and has shown consistent improvement adapting to the WNBL style of play.
Perth Lynx Intel
Locked in to finish fifth on the WNBL ladder, the Perth Lynx are ending their season with some good wins including a 23-point defeat over Bendigo in round 15, and a 33-point defeat over the Townsville Fire.
Better look out for…
Katie Ezbery – the Lynx captain had a huge round 15 against Bendigo, making a massive four from six from beyond the arc and finishing on 28 points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks.
Ariel Atkins – despite struggling with a back injury US import Atkins has been having a fantastic season with the Lynx. She made a double-double against Bendigo last weekend with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Up Next…
Following the international break the #WNBL20 Finals series will commence with the Boomers set to take on the UC Capitals. Dates and venues to be confirmed.