BOOMERS CELEBRATE FIRST WIN OF 2017
It may have taken a little longer than they wanted, but the Deakin Melbourne Boomers have once again tasted success, claiming their first win of 2017 and snapping a 7-game losing streak with an 85-72 victory in Adelaide.
The home team enjoyed the early going with Laura Hodges (18pts, 15rbs), Colleen Planeta (25pts, 9rbs) and Taylor Roberts (9pts) all taking advantage of their superior height over MelbourneĆs smaller brigade.
Leading 23-18 at the end of the first, then 36-32 at the half, the home team had to make do with a slender 53-53 going into the last period after the Boomers started to find their stroke midway through the third.
Some torrid defence and a commitment to running the floor in transition saw the Boomers put on a commanding 33-19 last quarter, seemingly growing in confidence as the margin started to widen.
Despite Adelaide dropping a 3pt attempt on the final buzzer, the night belonged to the Boomers who quickly celebrated a drought-breaking 85-72 win.
Maddie Garrick (24pts, 5 treys) led from the front, Bec Cole continued her recent run of form with 15pts, Alice Kunek also scored 15pts, while Liv Thompson (9pts, 10rbs) and Britt Smart (9pts) played critical roles.
The Boomers now head further west for a showdown with finals-bound Perth on Sunday, before heading home to wrap-up the season with a home game against Bendigo on Saturday February 18.
Tickets for the Boomers last game of the season are available HERE.