ULTIMATE GAME GUIDE, ANOTHER TWO BIG GAMES FOR THE BOOMERS
For the third week running, THE DEAKIN MELBOURNE BOOMERS face another double-header coupled with extensive travel with games against the two teams they met in last season’s finals series, Perth Lynx and Townsville Fire.
The Boomers arrived back in Melbourne early Monday morning after playing in Townsville last Sunday and have kept pace with training and gym sessions across the last three days to prepare for the next phase of a busy schedule.
The team travels to Perth tomorrow (Thursday).
Friday’s game will see the Boomers out west (6:30pm tip-off) against the top-of-the-ladder Lynx. It will be a return to the scene of last season’s dramatic semi-final win for the Boomers
The Lynx are again a frontrunner with their trademark fast-paced offence and come in off the back of another confident win last week when they took care of business against Canberra.
The Boomers will travel back to Melbourne on Saturday for a quick turnaround with another match-up against Townsville waiting for them. It will be the first time the two teams have met at SBC since last season’s epic game 2 of the Grand Final series.
Sunday’s showdown is the annual Purple Power game, proudly presented by Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.
Jenna O’Hea (Boomers Captain) – “The purple power game is a big one for our club. To see so much purple up in the stands is amazing. To also know we are playing for something bigger than basketball and supporting such a great cause in Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is really special to us all.”
Fans are encouraged to donate a gold coin and wear all things PURPLE to create a sea of purple in the crowd. For every donation received a raffle ticket will be handed out with 10 prizes up for grabs throughout the game. Tip-off is at 1pm and General Admission tickets are available to purchase at the door from 11am, while Reserved Seats can be booked online.
The Boomers will enter the Purple Power game eager to get their second win over the Fire this season, this time back at their home turf. Last year’s Grand Final against the Fire was one of the most remarkable games seen in the WNBL to date, with the Boomers winning the game in the final few seconds. The game will also double as Steph Talbot’s 100th WNBL game, an impressive milestone for the powerhouse guard/forward.
Following back-to-back wins last round against Sydney and Townsville, the Boomers now sit fourth on the Chemist Warehouse WNBL ladder at 5-3.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16
WHO: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Perth Lynx
TIME: 6:30pm tip-off (9:30pm Melbourne time)
WHERE: Bendat Basketball Centre, Perth
TICKETS: For our interstate fans you can purchase tickets online here ($10 – $36).
LIVE STATS: http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/wnbl/913501/
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18
WHAT: Purple Power game presented by Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision
WHO: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Townsville Fire
TIME: 1pm tip off, doors open 11am
WHERE: State Basketball Centre
PARKING: Free parking, plus longer exit green light signals are now in place
TICKETS: Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase Reserved Seats online here. General Admission tickets can be purchased at the door (subject to availability) – but tickets are the same price either way.
COST: Adult $20, Concession $15, Junior (17yrs & under) $10, Family (2 adults/2 juniors) $50.
BOOMERS MEMBERSHIP
With a series of home games coming up in the next few rounds, it’s the perfect time to join the Boomers family – especially with our 3-game memberships! You can purchase memberships online or sign up at the Sunday game from 11am until half an hour after the game.
MERCHANDISE
Stock up on the new-season Boomers merchandise at the Club’s new online store or at the venue from 11am until half an hour after the Sunday game.
TEAM NEWS
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
- This will be the third round in a row where the Boomers have played double games, with the Perth game being the Boomers fifth game played in 14 days.
- Lindsay Allen has been named as the most recent WNBL Player of the Week – a first for Allen in the WNBL, while it marks the second time she has made a WNBL Team of the Week.
Perth Lynx
- Perth cemented their first place on the ladder last round with a win in the top-of-the-table clash against the UC Capitals – making it 6 wins in a row for the Lynx.
- The Lynx recruited heavily in the off-season, adding well-known WNBL stars Asia Taylor and Katie-Rae Ebzery.
Townsville Fire
- With 4 losses and only 2 wins for the season so far, the reigning champions sit in sixth place on the ladder.
- The Fire will be sweating on the availability of superstar leader Suzy Batkovic, who is battling a neck injury.
- Former Boomers Captain Tess Madgen will be playing her first WNBL game back in front of Boomers fans.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Lindsay Allen: Allen has been named as the Round 5 Player of the Week, following two strong performances. The recognition comes after arguably her best game for the season, scoring 29 points in the Boomers victory over the Fire. Allen is the Boomers leading point scorer, averaging 17 points a game for a total of 136 points in the season so far.
Cayla George: In the victory over the Sydney Flames, George had her best game for the Boomers, leading the way in points (27), rebounds (8), steals (3) and blocks (3). She has been a major addition to the team this year and is expected to continue her hot form.
Perth Lynx
Brittany McPhee: McPhee has been selected for the WNBL Team of the Week for Round 5 – her third time this season. In her last game McPhee scored 17 points in the last 20 minutes.
Asia Taylor: Taylor featured in the WNBL Team of the Week for Round 4 – for the second time this season. The American import joined the Lynx this year and has scored 128 points so far and also leads rebounds, steals and field goals for the Lynx.
Townsville Fire
Darcee Garbin: In her fourth season for the Fire, Garbin is currently runner-up for the highest total points, average points, average blocks and average total rebounds for her team.
Zitina Aokuso: In her second season in the WNBL, Aokuso has already exceeded her total points from last year – despite not even being a third of the way through the season yet.
AFTER THE HOME GAME
Purple Power game: Come on court and meet the team – all the Boomers players will stay on court for up to 45 minutes post-game! Dexter the mascot will be there too to say hello!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up-to-date on game day with our live coverage on Twitter (@MelbourneBoomer), get a behind-the-scenes insight on the day by following us on Instagram (@melbourneboomers) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/MelbourneBoomers/).
At the game? Tag us in your favourite basketball photos using the hashtags #TimeToBelieve, #BoomersFamily and #PurplePower
GAME COVERAGE/BROADCAST
The November 16 game is not being televised. Stay across our socials and the WNBL live stats for all the updates.
The November 18 game is being televised live on Fox Sports from 1pm.
NEXT UP
Following the Purple Power game the Boomers will play @ Canberra (Nov 23, 7pm) against the UC Capitals, followed by our Giveaway Sunday game at the SBC (Nov 25, 3pm) against Adelaide.
