Hoops Capital off-season wrap (April 2)
It was once again a busy week on the court for the Hoops Capital contingent, who continue to excel on the hardwood all around the world.
Starting with the Flames and centre Cayla George made her debut with the Taiwanese outfit, the Cathay Life Tigers.
Her first appearance for the Tigers came against Taipower on March 29, which resulted in an 87-66 victory – thanks to 24 points, five rebounds and four assists by the Australian Opal.
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The next day, 20 points, 22 boards and five dimes from George powered the Tigers to a 76-72 triumph over Chunghua Telecom.
Their busy three-day schedule wrapped up on March 31, with Cathay Life falling 77-75 to Taiyuan, despite 13 points, 11 rebounds and six dimes by George.
These results solidify the Tigers’ second spot on the ladder with a 14-7 record, ahead of their next game against Taipower on April 5.
Shifting to Europe and Lauren Nicholson continues to shine in Spar Girona colours.
On March 28, the Flames guard tallied 13 points and five rebounds during Girona’s tight 64-57 Liga Femenina loss to Celta Zorka Recalvi.
But they rebounded three days later, defeating Lointek Gernika Bizkaia 74-64, with the Sutherland junior adding 10 points and three boards in the victory.
Nicholson next hits the hardwood with her fourth-placed Girona on April 7, when they take on Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre PDM.
Finally, in New Zealand, Guy Molloy’s Southland Sharks lost 86-79 to Otago at Fly Palmy Arena.
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Shifting to the Kings’ contingent and Jaylin Galloway wrapped up his G League season with the Wisconsin Herd in impressive fashion.
Over the past week, the Herd defeated the Indiana Mad Ants (with Galloway adding four points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks) before losing 127-103 to the Windy City Bulls in the two-time NBL champion’s first career start in the United States.
Gallo gettin’ 🆙✈️ pic.twitter.com/ZKO4FfyiAX
— Wisconsin Herd (@WisconsinHerd) March 28, 2024
Shifting to Europe and Jordi Hunter’s Rigas Zelli side lost both games over the weekend.
Firstly, they went down 87-72 to VEF Riga despite 17 points (8/11 shooting), eight rebounds, one assist and one block by the two-time NBL champion.
Then on March 31, they once again went down 94-87 to VEF Riga, with Hunter adding 10 points, three rebounds, four steals, one assist and one block.
In China, Jaylen Adams’ Liaoning Flying Leopards defeated Xinjiang 96-85, Sichuan 101-82 and Nanjing Tongxi 97-95 to cement their spot on top of the ladder.
Next up for the Leopards is Ningbo on Tuesday.
To New Zealand and the opening round of the Sal’s NBL, which saw both Sam Timmins and Jasper Rentoy in action.
The former had 12 points, 17 rebounds, three steals and three blocks during Franklin’s 86-85 win against Nelson, while Rentoy added two points, one rebound and one assist for the Jets before suffering a season-ending knee injury in his side’s 83-78 loss to Taranaki.
Next up for Timmins’ Bulls is Canterbury on April 7.
Stay up to date with all the harbour city club’s off-season news here.