Ultimate Game Guide: A tough road trip for the Boomers this week
Following a week off for the Asia Olympic Pre-Qualifiers, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers return to WNBL action this weekend with back-to-back games on the road against Adelaide Lightning and Victorian rivals Bendigo Spirit.
Heading into the clash off the back of a three-point loss to the UC Capitals in their last home game, the Boomers will be looking to get their league campaign back on the rails.
Facing Adelaide for the first time this season, the South Australians are sitting just below the Boomers on the WNBL ladder, however both teams have a 4-2 win loss record. This is therefore a must-win game for the Boomers if they’re to cement their position in the top four.
Star import Sophie Cunningham is fired up for the challenge and spoke of the team’s desperation to return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats.
“We have to keep going, keep learning off these last couple of losses and we have a great team,” she said.
“These next couple of games are going to be huge for us… I know this team will bounce back.”
The Boomers defeated Bendigo in the opening two rounds of this WNBL season and will aim to go 3-0 against their Victorian rivals on Sunday.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22ND
Who: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Adelaide Lightning
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Titanium Security Arena.
Live Stats: Will be available here.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24TH
Who: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Bendigo Spirit
Time: 2:00pm
Where: Bendigo Stadium.
Live Stats: Will be available here.
MEMBERSHIP
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TEAM NEWS
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
- The Boomers have six players and their head coach returning from the FIBA Asia Pre-Qualifying tournaments in Kuala Lumpur (Opals) and New Zealand (Tall Ferns).
- Their two losses were to the top two teams, by just seven and three points.
Adelaide Lightning
- Lightning have signed talented US import Kathryn Westbeld after an injured Crystal Langhorne recovers from knee surgery. Westbeld will likely make her debut on Friday against the Boomers.
- Adelaide are currently shooting at an impressive 45% from the field.
Bendigo Spirit
- The Spirit currently have the highest three-point shooting percentage in the league, making 39% beyond the arc.
- Bendigo are currently sitting sixth on the WNBL ladder, with only two wins so far this season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Sophie Cunningham – Cunningham is really starting to find her feet in the WNBL, leading from the front for the Boomers round five match against the UC Capitals with a season-high 18 points (shooting at 58%).
Penina Davidson – The star forward was lethal for the Tall Ferns in their International break, coming in with the highest rebound count of the tournament at 34, and the third highest points tally in the tournament, scoring 48 points over the three matches.
Adelaide Lightning
Brianna Turner – Tipped to be currently leading the MVP votes, the forward was excellent in round five against Bendigo, registering 22 points and eight rebounds.
Steph Talbot – Fresh from Opals duty, former Boomers star Talbot looks settled in Adelaide and was unstoppable in round five, making 18 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Bendigo Spirit
Carley Ernst – A shining light for the Spirit, Ernst was a top performer in round five with 17 points and six rebounds against Adelaide.
Kelly Wilson – The veteran point guard has been at the top of her game, making 45 assists already this season, and is shooting from the field at 52%.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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GAME BROADCAST
The games will be available by live stream on WNBL website.
NEXT UP
The Boomers will take on the Sydney Uni Flames at the State Basketball Centre on November 30th.