Flames to Host Ladder-Leading Boomers
Written by Susannah Walmsley
The Brydens Sydney Uni Flames head into their Round 4 clash against the ladder leading Melbourne Boomers with confidence. After dropping their first game of the season, the Flames have come out firing in their next three games, with two of their three wins coming on the road.
Last round, the Flames ended the Townsville Fire’s undefeated start to the season, downing the home side 66-63. The Flames are beginning to put together a case to defend their title, showing early that they can win close games against formidable opponents, with their wins against both Townsville and Dandenong being decided by 5 points or less. This experience in tight contests will prove vital at the business end of the season.
Katie- Rae Ebzery has been lighting it up for the Flames, averaging 17.7 points and 4.7 assists across the first four games. Her 22 points, on 56% shooting from the field, against Townsville earned her a spot on the Round 3 Team of the Week.
US Import Asia Taylor has also found form early, averaging a double-double with 15.8 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor and her fellow US compatriot, Jen Hamson, will need to be on their game this week as they come up against a solid Melbourne Boomers front court.
Boasting a strong line up, the Boomers are leading the league with four wins and one loss. Despite a string of injuries, they will be looking to assert their dominance against last season’s Championship winning side.
Living up to expectations, Australian Opal, Liz Cambage will be the one to stop. Cambage is leading the league in points (23ppg) and rebounds (13rpg) while shooting an impressive 56% from the floor.
The Flames will need to work to keep the Boomers off the glass as well as decreasing the productivity of in-form guards, Maddie Garrick and Brittany Smart.
However, the talking point leading into the game will be the race between centres, Jen Hamson (201cm) and Liz Cambage (203cm) to be the first player to dunk in the WNBL.
Will this be the game where history is made?
Click here to purchase tickets.