Rd 7 – Boomers vs Lightning Match Report
Ready for a thriller of a game, the Melbourne Boomers hosted the Adelaide Lightning at Parkville Stadium in Melbourne for round seven of the WNBL season.
FIRST HALF
A big start from the Boomers began with the first 5-points of the game. Finishing strong and using composure on the offensive end, the Boomers were able to get some early looks on the 3-point line. With multiple kickout opportunities and quick paint touches, the Boomers were off to an amazing start. Leading, Sara Bilcavs had a massive influence on the score board, putting up a huge 11-points in the first quarter. Coming into the second, the Boomers had created a 10-point lead at the 8-minute mark following their tough defensive efforts.
The Lightning created some great looks on the basket, using multiple late shot clock opportunities. With some turnovers at the start of the second quarter, the Lightning did well to crawl back into the game, scaling the score back down to single digits. Ramping up their defence, Brianna Turner had a huge chase down block to lift the Lightnings intensity while also working hard on the boards. With some effective ball movement and smart basketball, the Lightning had worked their way back in front, leading by one going into halftime.
SECOND HALF
With lots of back-and-forth basketball in the second half, the Boomers did well to stay composed and focused on their offensive structures. Hitting multiple different screens and continuing to look for kickouts, the Boomers stayed very close to Lightnings small lead. As their defence increased, Monique Conti and Keely Froling created havoc on both the back court and the front court. Conti making it hard for the Lightnings guards, while Froling worked hard to keep the Lightnings bigs away from the boards, the Boomers were never far behind. Hitting some tough shots in crucial moments, Naz Hillmon and Sara Bilcavs combined for a total of 33-points.
Even with some huge efforts from the Boomers line up, the Lightning held strong. With some tough threes from Jocelyn Willoughby and Isobel Borlase, the Lightning stayed in front. To finish the game, Willoughby scored a tough 12-points and Borlase top scored for the Lightning with a huge 21-points to her name. Following suit, Isabelle Bourne had a big presence in the paint. Creating kickout opportunities and scores for herself, Bourne finished with 15-points and a 54.5% field goal percentage. Getting the Lightning over the line, Brianna Turner gathered multiple rebounds and created numerous second chance points. Turner nearly had a triple double with 14-rebounds, 8-points, and 6-assists.
With these massive efforts listed above, the Lightning squad got over the line after multiple close scores loses. The Adelaide Lightning won the game by 9-points.
For the Lightning fans, our next game is on the 21st of December against the UC Capitals. Make sure to stream our away game on 9NOW and watch the Adelaide Lightning chase another electrifying win over the UC Caps.