ROUND 4 PLAYER OF THE WEEK- SUZY BATKOVIC

October 30, 2017 | WNBL news

The reigning MVP was back to her dominant best for the JCU Townsville Fire in Round 4 with Suzy Batkovic leading the team to wins over the UC Capitals and Boomers.

Averaging 26.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, three assists and 4.5 steals, Batkovic helped Townsville consolidate their place in the top four as they now own a 4-2 record.

On Friday night, the Fire were on the road and found themselves trailing the Caps by five points at half-time but Batkovic led the charge in the second half.

She recorded seven points and a steal in the third quarter as Townsville came all the way back to own a lead at the final change and another six points from Batkovic in the fourth term ensured the Fire cruised home.

Her interior defence also played a major role in the win, helping to hold the Caps to just five points in the last quarter including 0-13 shooting in the paint as Batkovic finished with a double-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds and five steals.

Two days later, Townsville returned home to host the Boomers and it was a defensive tussle for the entire game.

The lead also changed hands 14 times throughout the clash as the Fire recovered from a three-point deficit at quarter-time to move ahead by three at the main break before trailing again by a point at the last change.

Both clubs went back and forth to start the fourth quarter too but Batkovic proved integral once again, putting the Fire ahead with four minutes remaining.

From there, the home side were not headed and Batkovic tallied nine points and two steals in the final term to finish with 26 points, six boards, two assists and another five steals.

The Townsville centre now sits second for points per game (20.1), seventh for rebounds (9.0) and third for steals (2.5).

Round 4 Suzy Batkovic Stats: 26.5 points at 22-41 (54%) shooting, 10.5 rebounds (1.5 offensive), three assists and 4.5 steals per game.