Ultimate Game Guide Finals Edition: Boomers must win to keep Championship dream alive
Coming off a devastating 14-point loss in game one in their semi-final series against the UC Capitals 84-70, the Deakin Melbourne Boomers have hit sudden death and must win this Sunday if they’re to keep their WNBL Championship dreams alive.
Sunday’s defeat was a tight contest until Caps import Kia Nurse, who made history in becoming the first import to pick up the WNBL MVP award, managed to drop three consecutive baskets from beyond the arc in the third quarter and shift the momentum in the Caps favour.
There were some gutsy performances by the visitors; Boomers co-captain Maddie Garrick was all power for her side as she scored 16 points and was a menace throughout in defence.
Lindsay Allen was also a constant threat and the Boomers will want to see her come out firing at the State Basketball Centre (SBC) on Sunday.
Can the Boomers level? Find out by buying your tickets here, let’s create a raucous atmosphere at the SBC!
The Game:
Semi Final Game Two
Deakin Melbourne Boomers vs UC Capitals
State Basketball Centre
Sunday February 23rd, 6pm
Can’t make it…
You can catch all the action live on Fox Sports and KAYO Sports! Also keep up with the livestats here.
Boomer Updates
The Boomers were excited to learn that Ezi Magbegor was this week named as the WNBL’s Betty Watson Australian Youth Player of the Year Winner, while co-captain Cayla George, who has had one of her best seasons to date, was named in the WNBL’s All Star Second Team.
WNBL and Boomers veteran Toni Farnworth is recovering well after having to miss game one of the Semi Finals due to falling ill. Farnworth is expected to play on Sunday.
The Boomers Exclusive Finals T-Shirt, designed by our very own Penina Davidson, is available for pre-purchase here, and will be available at the game. Get in quick though, there’s only limited stock!
Keep a watchful eye out for…
Sophie Cunningham, the fiery import has shown she is more than capable of matching it with the best in the league. She matched up well against Nurse on Sunday, as well as finishing the game with 14 points. Boomers will need her to bring the intensity again this week.
Lindsay Allen, back for her first full game in a few months in game one, showed once again why she’s one of the best in the league. Allen controlled the play for the majority of the match, was strong on the scoreboard with a team high 17 points, and also had three rebounds, five assists and two steals.
UC Capitals Intel
Caps import Kia Nurse was awarded the 2019/20 WNBL MVP Award at game one of the Semi Final series. She has also been named in the WNBL’s All Star First Team for this season. Nurse turned the game on it’s head in game one, and will again be out for a strong performance.
UC Capitals coach Paul Gorris was awarded the WNBL’s Coach of the Year title. He coached his side to the Championship last season and has had a successful 2019/20 season with the Caps so far.
Be watching for…
Kelsey Griffin, the co-captain who is coming off injury showed no signs of weakness in game one. She was unstoppable on Sunday and finished with a massive 12 rebounds, seven points, five assists and seven steals.
Keely Froling, has stepped up this season and been playing a consistently tough and physical game. Froling had a great outing in game one of the Semi Finals Series, wrapping up with 11 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Stay connected…
Keep up to date with all the Boomers live tweets on Twitter (@MelbBoomers) and take a behind the scenes peek into the life of being a Melbourne Boomer by following us on Instagram (@melbourneboomers) and don’t forget to Like us on Facebook for all the latest updates and news (facebook.com/MelbourneBoomers/).
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Up Next…
If the Boomers win on Sunday, game three of the semi-final series will be played in Canberra on Wednesday 26 February (time TBC). The winner of that game securing a place in the #WNBL20 Grand Final.