Boomers put out Sydneys Flames
In their second meeting of the season, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers dominated the Sydney Uni Flames, winning 86-63 at Brydens Stadium. The win puts the Boomers clear into second place on the WNBL ladder, one game ahead of the UC Capitals.
The Boomers co-captains were a power duo in the Sunday evening clash, Maddie Garrick having a superb game top scoring for the Boomers with 19 points, to go along with seven rebounds and five steals. While Cayla George was again exceptional, landing her fifth double-double of the season with 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Despite these performances, and another strong putting from Lindsey Allen (15 points, six assists), it was the whole team effort that was most impressive for the Boomers. Every player hit the score-sheet and the bench contributed 18 points to the tally.
Despite the efforts from the Flames, their defense just wasn’t strong enough to slow down the Boomers, and by half time, the 15 point difference was hard to close. Lauren Scherf led for the home side, making 20 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Alex Wilson and Jessica Kuster also fought hard, Wilson finishing with nine points, five rebounds and six assists, and Kuster with nine points, three rebounds, three assists and 2 blocks.
In the post match interview, Garrick said the Boomers defensive game is a key focus for them this season.
“Defense has been a big focus for us this season, I guess in the first half we were allowing to much middle penetration, we fouled too much and gave them too many easy shots,” she said.
“So we’ve still got improvement to do but defense is our main focus and we get our offensive flow from that.”
Moving next into a double-header round against two of the top four, Adelaide Lightning and the Southside Flyers, this win was crucial for the Boomers. With only four rounds before the Finals series commences, a 2-0 weekend for the Boomers could see them snatch the top spot from their local rivals.
You can get your tickets to see the Boomers against local rivals the Southside Flyers in a top of the table clash next Sunday at the State Basketball Centre here.
Deakin Melbourne Boomers – 86 (Garrick 19, George 18, Lindsay Allen 15)
Sydney Uni Flames – 63 (Scherf 20, Alice Kunek 13, Wilson 9, Kuster 9)