GRILL’D POST-GAME REPORT ROUND 2
With five Australian Opals hitting the court, the Melbourne Derby was set to be a showstopper at the State Basketball Centre. The Deakin Melbourne Boomers fell short of the win with the Southside Flyers taking a 67-57 win in the first game of the Michele Timms Cup.
Kristy Wallace fought hard to record 15 points and smashed the boards with 10 rebounds. Despite a third quarter injury, Tiffany Mitchell showed just how strong she can be with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Although it wasn’t Cayla George’s night on the offensive end, she finished with 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Tiffany Mitchell and Kristy Wallace showed a strong offensive presence in the first quarter however, the Boomers struggled to find the bottom of the net. Kayla Thornton had the hot hand and was dominant for the Flyers and led them to a 21-15 lead.
Mia Murray hit an early three in the second quarter to halve the Flyers lead but, the Flyers were quick to respond with another three which saw them run away with a 10-point lead early in the quarter. The Boomers made a late second quarter run led by Tiffany Mitchell who dropped 8 points in the final 5 minutes of the quarter. The Boomers defence showed dividends by holding Kayla Thornton scoreless. This still wasn’t enough to take the lead at the half with the Flyers leading 37-30. The quarter was highlighted by Taylah Giliam getting her first minutes as a Melbourne Boomer after being recently cut from the Flyers squad.
The Boomers gelled together for a run of points late in the third quarter to cut the lead to three points highlighted by a Kristy Wallace three, a Tiff Mitchell back door cut, and a huge three from Mia Murray. Tiff Mitchell came down hard late in the quarter with a cramp injury which saw her leave the court. Kristy Wallace continued with her strong offensive presence with four late points which cut the Boomers deficit to two points with the Flyers leading 51-49 heading into the final quarter.
Kristy Wallace showed her physicality in the fourth quarter and Mia Murray was strong on the defensive end with a huge block however, the Boomers poor field goal percentage is what let them down on the scoreboard. It was a night for Boomers debuts as Lily Carmody checked in in the final term to record her first minutes. Despite Tiffany Mitchell returning in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to cut the deficit with Nyadiew Pouch setting the final quarter alight to help the Flyers to a 67-57 win.
The Boomers play their first game of the season and unfurl the championship banner against the Adelaide Lightning at Melbourne Sports Centres – Parkville on Sunday November 13 at 3pm. Those unable to cheer the Boomers on live can tune in via 9NOW. Tickets for our first home game, on Sunday at Melbourne Sports Centres – Parkville, are selling fast and available at ticketek.com.au.