Ultimate Game Guide: Boomers Set For Huge Semi-Final Showdown
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers will host the Adelaide Lightning in a Semi-final blockbuster this Sunday at the State Basketball Centre from 5pm.
Over 3,000 passionate fans are expected to flock to the SBC for Game 1 of the 2018/19 WNBL Chemist Warehouse Semi-Finals Series.
Fans are strongly advised to pre-purchase tickets online HERE as only a limited amount will be available to buy at the door on game day.
The second-placed Boomers have stormed their way into the finals with four victories in the last five games, including most recent back-to-back wins to end the regular season.
The Boomers also hold a clean series sweep over the third-placed Lightning and are in strong form to notch up another win in what will be their most important match-up so far to date.
However, if their home-and-away season battles are any guide, you can expect another close tussle between the two of the league’s fiercest sides on Sunday night.
SEMI-FINAL GAME DAY INFO
WHO: Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs Adelaide Lightning
WHEN: Sunday January 27
TIME: 5pm tip-off, doors open 3pm
WHERE: State Basketball Centre, Wantirna South
PARKING: Free at the State Basketball Centre
EATING: An outdoor BBQ and full canteen facilities will be available from 4pm.
TICKETS: Fans are strongly advised to pre-purchase tickets online at HERE.
COST: Tickets from Adult $20, Concession $15, Junior (17yrs & under) $10, Family (2 adults/2 juniors) $50.
BROADCAST: The game will be televised LIVE by Fox Sports (ch.506).
TEAM NEWS
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
- The Boomers will be holding an Open Training session this Friday January 25 from 10:30am. Boomers members and the public are invited to come along and get a glimpse of the players one last time before finals!
- Cayla George is expected to return following a precautionary withdrawal from the Dandenong game due to a minor ankle strain.
- Jenna O’Hea will receive her WNBL lifetime membership at this Sunday’s game following her 250th WNBL game milestone which was achieved late in the season.
Adelaide Lightning
- The Lightning are coming off a huge Round 15 game against Perth where they fought back from 21-points down to steal a 1-point win in overtime.
- This is the Lightning’s first finals appearance in five years, and they will be chasing their sixth WNBL championship.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Deakin Melbourne Boomers
Maddie Garrick: Garrick played an outstanding game in the Boomers victory against the Rangers last round. She finished with a career-high 28pts on 10-13 shooting & 6-9 beyond the arc!
Ezi Magbegor: The Australian Opal continued her great form in the late stages of the regular season, with another solid performance in the Boomers Round 15 game ending with 12pts, 6rebs and 3asts.
Adelaide Lightning
Nia Coffey: Coffey has enjoyed a stellar season having chalked up four WNBL Team of the Week selections. In the previous match-ups with the Boomers this season, Coffey has been the highest team-scorer across each three games.
Kayla Alexander: The WNBA import has relished her first season with the Lightning. In Adelaide’s latest victory over Perth, she finished with 17pts and 9rebs for the game.
FINALS MERCHANDISE
The Boomers will release a special 2018/19 Finals T-Shirt and also a Finals Poster – both will be on sale at the game.
AFTER THE GAME
Come on court and meet the team post-game! All the Boomers players will stay on court for up to 45 minutes at the end of the match with thanks to ANZ! Dexter the mascot will also be there to say hello!
SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up-to-date on all the finals updates through our Twitter (@MelbourneBoomer), get a behind-the-scenes insight on game 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 #BelieveInBoomers, #BoomersFamily and #TimeToBelieve.
GAME BROADCAST
Game 1 of the Semi-finals is being televised LIVE on FOX Sports Australia channel 506 from 5pm.
NEXT UP
Following the first final at home, the Boomers will travel to Adelaide for Game 2 of the Semi-Final Series on Thursday Jan 31 at 7:00pm (Melb time). Boomers members and fans are encouraged to watch the game on the big screen at Wantirna Club.