Ultimate Game Guide Finals Edition: Boomers head to Canberra for decider
It all comes down to this. The thrilling #WNBL20 semi-final series between the Boomers and UC Capitals has gone to a game three decider, with the winner taking on Southside Flyers for a shot at the WNBL Championship.
The Boomers, who had been unable to top the Caps since their first meeting in round three, defeated the reigning champs by 12 points in front of a massive and raucous crowd at the State Basketball Centre on Sunday. The purple power were fired up, and with everything on the line they responded with one of their best outings this season.
The Boomers must now return to Canberra on Wednesday night and stop the charges of a Caps side led by the talent of Kia Nurse and the zeal of passionate home support.
Head coach Guy Molloy says with the quick turnaround between games two and three, there won’t be the time for re-working the game plan.
“It’s going to be a tough one. In the space of three days we’re not going to reinvent the wheel, we’ll just do what we do and make one or two small adjustments where we want to attack in, and I’m sure they’ll do the same. Should be a hell of a game.” he said.
Boomers co-captain Maddie Garrick has spoken highly of her team’s culture all season and sensed a confidence in her side heading into Sunday’s clash.
“We’re so happy, we played the game that we wanted to play, that’s our Boomers brand of basketball, just pushing the ball, just playing,” she said.
“Now we’ll build on what we’ve been doing, bring more of what we showed out there and keep with that momentum.
“Our chemistry is so strong, we’re not going to change too much so we just need to believe in ourselves and each other. We know we can get it done, so it’s just going to be about executing it,” she said.
The Game:
Semi Final Game Three
Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs UC Capitals
AIS Arena, Canberra
Wednesday February 26th, 7:30pm
Can’t make it…
You can catch all the action live on Fox Sports and KAYO Sports! Also keep up with the livestats here.
Boomer Updates
The Boomers Exclusive Finals T-Shirts, designed by our very own Penina Davidson, are still available for purchase online here. Get in quick, there’s only limited stock!
Keep a watchful eye out for…
Ezi Magbegor, has had her best WNBL season to date. The superstar centre who just won the WNBL’s Betty Watson Australian Youth Player of the Year was exceptional in game two. Magbegor was all strength on both ends of the court, making 17 points, nine rebounds, three steals and four blocks.
Lindsay Allen, if you needed any more proof that she’s the number one point guard in the league then game two was all you needed to see. Allen lit up the State Basketball Centre on Sunday evening, shooting at an impressive 71% from the field, finishing up on 25 points, five rebounds, 4 assists and one steal.
UC Capitals Intel
Gemma Potter came to Melbourne in a moonboot on Sunday and did not take part in the game. At this stage she’s only a very slim chance of suiting up on Wednesday.
Be watching for…
Marianna Tolo, one of the league’s best centres, has been prominent through the series. She made 14 points and two rebounds in game two, and 10 points, four rebounds and two assists in game one.
Kelsey Griffin, has been physically imposing for the Caps throughout the series. The WNBL veteran was massive for her side in defeat on Sunday, top scoring with17 points, alongside an impressive seven rebounds and one steal.
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Up Next…
The winner of this match will take on the Southside Flyers at Dandenong Stadium in the Grand Final series commencing on Sunday the 1st of March.