Boomers look towards Geelong
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers will be looking to turn their luck around next week in Geelong, after a tough loss today, going down to the JCU Townsville Fire 54-63 in the teams home opener at the State Basketball Centre.
Despite getting off to a strong start, the Boomers were unable to maintain momentum against a ferocious Townsville side.
Although a disappointing result, for the first time this year Boomers fans were able to see the team in full flight at home. A real positive to take away from the afternoon is some great minutes from new Boomer Courtney Deuver, team captain Jenna O’Hea and the recently re-signed Monique Conti.
Liz Cambage and Jenna O’Hea put together a stunning display for Boomers fans, with both players key in keeping the Boomers within firing range of the Fire throughout the match.
After a shaky start from both sides, the Boomers settled into the match first with an early lead thanks to baskets from Garrick and Cambage.
However, Townsville’s Cayla George wasn’t about to let the lead slip away, making an uninterrupted eight points inside the first six minutes of the match to push the Fire into a strong lead.
The Boomers were quick to push back against the Fire, responding with multiple team efforts inside to pull themselves back into the match, with scores all tied up 16-16 at the first break.
The Boomers hit their stride in the second quarter, taking control of the match and pushing themselves up to a six point lead at one stage.
Boomers forward Courtney Duever played a key role in the second quarter, with blocks from Duever converting into points, swinging the lead into the Boomer’s favour, 32 to 28, heading into the halftime break.
Monique Conti lived up to her reputation as a pocket rocket, putting her speed on display for the Boomers in the third quarter to keep them in the game. However, smart play from Townsville, and their ability to capitalise on mistakes pushed them further into the lead. With that, the Fire hit a ten point lead, 42-52, heading into the final term.
O’Hea was a workhorse in the final term, grabbing rebound after rebound in an effort to push the Boomers closer to the Fire. However, the visitors proved too strong, taking the win, 54-63.
Post-match, O’Hea told Melbourne Boomers that despite the loss, it was amazing to have such a vocal crowd behind the team.
“Definitely disappointing to get the loss, especially at home, those wins are really important. But woah! This crowd was amazing today. We heard them right through the four quarters, and you see everyone lining up still, and it’s a long time after the game, so very grateful and thankful to have such good fans here,” said O’Hea.
Boomers fans will have the chance to get behind the team once again next week, as the Deakin Melbourne Boomers are set to face the Bendigo Spirit in Geelong on Friday October 13.
All full-season members receive entry to our game against Bendigo at Geelong Arena on Friday, and 3-game members can use their pass, but you MUST pre-book your seats as this will be a fully-ticketed game. To reserve your seats, head to trybooking.com/BOOMERS