Boomers Sweep Arch Rivals, Now For The Finals
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have finished their home and away season with a bang, defeating arch rivals Dandenong Rangers, 80-45 in front of a packed State Basketball Centre.
The crunching win gives the Boomers a clean sweep for the Michele Timms Cup this season and puts them on the front foot heading into next week’s semi-final series against the Perth Lynx.
Senior Boomers stars Liz Cambage and Britt Smart stood up and led the team through their final regular season match to finish with a combined 48 points.
Britt Smart got the shots dropping for the Boomers early, making a quick five points within the first three minutes. Combined with an on-fire Liz Cambage, the Boomers secured themselves an early lead to finish the first term in front, 18-14.
Defensively the Boomers stepped up their game in the second term, shutting down any Rangers attempts at closing the lead. By the half the home team had opened a 39-29 lead, but the best was yet to come.
Smart continued to let fly in the third quarter, with two big threes to get the crowd up on their feet. Louella Tomlinson put up a big third quarter for the Boomers, finding the scoreboard four times inside two minutes to help push the Boomers to a 59-45 lead at the final break.
Sharp shooting from Cambage and Monique Conti continued to propel the Boomers further out in front down the stretch, while a ruthless Boomers defence featuring Kalani Purcell held Dandenong scoreless, with the Boomers taking the win, 80-45.
Not only did the Boomers go on a 21-0 final quarter rout, they finished the game with a 33-4 run over the last 13 minutes of action.
At the final buzzer a sea of people amassed on the court to meet the players and wish them well for finals.
Boomers Coach Guy Molloy said that he was pleased with the team’s defensive energy in the second half.
“Yeah, look everyone contributed. I was really pleased that Louella found a little bit of touch and confidence, and Britt had an outstanding game, so it was a nice spread.”
The Boomers now turn their focus towards their first semi-final game against minor premiers Perth Lynx, set to take place this Wednesday January 3 at the State Basketball Centre.
The home final will mark the Boomers first finals appearance in four years.
Tickets are available online now at trybooking.com/BOOMERS.
