Froling’s double-double leads Tornadoes past Supercats

The NBL1 South championship dreams of Keely Froling and her Launceston Tornadoes are still alive after Saturday’s tough elimination final victory against Geelong.

At The Geelong Arena, Sydney Flames star Froling chalked up a double-double (20 points and 12 rebounds) to help the Tornadoes down the Supercats 77-65.

In the win, Froling also added two steals and one triple.

Next up for Froling and her side is a semi-final showdown with Spectres at the Nunawading Basketball Centre.

Unfortunately, Flames teammate Kiera Rowe and her Knox Raiders lost their elimination final 83-68 to Waverley, despite 17 points, nine rebounds and one assist from the Sydney guard.

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Elsewhere, 28 points, 16 rebounds, three dimes, three blocks and one swipe from Flame Emma Clarke wasn’t enough, as her Perry Lakes Hawks lost 75-65 to Cockburn at Wally Hagan Stadium.

While at Rowland Cowan Stadium, Southern Districts, headlined by Kalani Purcell and Madelyn Allen, lost their NBL1 North semi-final 108-81 to Townsville.

In the defeat, Purcell posted a near triple-double with nine points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, as Allen added 18 points, four dimes, two rebounds and two blocks.

Despite being eliminated from NBL1 North contention, the Flames pair’s Spartans have already secured a wildcard spot at this year’s inaugural national finals in Melbourne from September 10-12.

That aforementioned Townsville side will clash with Indiah Bowyer’s Logan in the three-game NBL1 North grand final series, after the Thunder defeated Brisbane 85-62 on Saturday – with the Flame adding five points, three rebounds, one steal and one block in the victory.

The best-of-three series will be played at the Bendigo Bank Cornubia Park Sports Centre and tips off on Friday.

Another Flame that is still in contention in her conference is Vanessa Panousis and her Sutherland Sharks, who had the bye at the weekend and will now play Manly-Warringah at Hills for a spot in the big dance.