Isaac
Years ago
ABL POTW, Round 17
Amanda Williams (Mavericks): 25 points @ 73%, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks.
Jason Dix (Eagles): 32 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks.
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Reviews from Colin Thompson at BASA:
Women
Round 17 provided several coaches with anxious moments and left them planning their final game to ensure their highest possible finish on the ladder. With the Rockets, Panthers, Sabres and Eagles assured of finals' participation, their final standings are in their own hands. Whilst the Mavericks hold fifth position, it will be the final game against the Bearcats that will determine who participates in the play-offs.
The Mavericks, again without Cayla Francis, had no trouble taking their game against the Lions, albeit in dominant first and third quarters. To their credit the Lions fought the game out to share the last quarter. Amanda Williams played another great game scoring 25 points at 73% with 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the Mavericks. Team mate Siobhan O'Brien produced a double double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists and 2 steals.
The Panthers were untroubled in defeating the Warriors after setting up their ascendancy in the first quarter. Half of the Panthers' points were secured from their opponent's turnovers. Vikki Kelson played a leading role with a game-high 19 points, 4 steals and 2 assists, while Tracey Braithwaite produced a double double (10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists).
Southern Tigers shocked the Eagles with a brilliant opening quarter to lead 32 to 23. They held a narrow lead at half time before the Eagles moved up a notch in the third quarter, led by Narelle Lindsay, Deanne Ranford and Cherie Smith. To their credit the Tigers did not capitulate in the final quarter to finish the game with one of their higher scores of the season. Narelle Lindsay's 29 points was her highest personal score for the season while Cherie Smith had a double double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Sturt Sabres announced that it will be a serious contender for the title by blowing away the Rockets in the final quarter in an otherwise competitive game. With five players recording double-figure scores, the Sabres took the head to head clash away from the Rockets. Angela Marino (22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals), Monique Bowley (14 points and 11 rebounds) and Hannah Bowley (12 points and 12 rebounds) led a great team effort where all players scored. Jenah Piwanski scored a double double for the Rockets with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Rockets shot an appalling 24% from the floor.
In a very tight game, it was the Bearcats' defensive effort in the third quarter that enabled the team to take the points. In that quarter they capitalised on the Flames' turnovers to establish a lead of twelve points going into the final quarter.
Men
Eastern Mavericks has its destiny in its own hands going into next week's final round. The same can be said of the Bearcats who will meet the Mavericks. West hold the head to head advantage over the Panthers, the third team seeking one of those two remaining places in the top five. The Panthers hold the head to head advantage over the Mavericks. Thus, if the Panthers win next week they make the finals regardless of the Mavericks versus Bearcats' clash. If the Panthers lose, then they must rely upon the Bearcats to win.
Forestville Eagles cannot lose top position. Sturt Sabres, however, could be overtaken by Woodville Warriors next week if the Warriors win and the Sabres lose.
The Mavericks had to work hard to get the points against the Lions. Without their main scorer, Jye Watson, the Lions pegged back a half time deficit of nine points. The difference between the two teams was on Eastern's offensive boards where they managed to convert many of those opportunities. Ben Trebilcock played one of his better games with a game-high 17 points with 11 rebounds. With defence dominant, this game produced the season's lowest total game score.
The Panthers lost their game against the Warriors on a 3-points buzzer beater from Matt Elder. This was after a free throw opportunity was missed by the Panthers in the last seconds. Matt Elder shot 21 points at 70% with 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 assists for the Warriors. Damian Scanlon continued his fine form with a game-high 26 points, 6 steals and 5 rebounds for the Panthers. Steve Pilkington produced a double double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
The Eagles' victory over the Tigers ensured their top position finish at the end of the regular rounds. The Eagles took 16 more free throws than the Tigers and converted at a higher percentage. Jason Dix was the leading scorer with 32 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks. For the Tigers, David Bowley continued his form with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.
The Rockets won all four quarters, keeping the Sabres to their lowest score of the season. Without Oscar Forman, Darren Ng was the Sabres' main offensive threat with a game-high 32 points at 50%. Nick Hambour was North's highest scorer with 29 points at 58%. The loss has placed Sturt in danger of missing a home final.
West Adelaide, in danger of missing the play-offs, responded with a strong win against the Flames. With a half time lead of 24 points, the Bearcats put the game beyond doubt with a 35-22 third quarter. Daniel Phillips (24 points including 6 three-pointers, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks) and Ben Evans (24 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists) led the Bearcats in a great team effort. Paul Bell produced a double double with 12 points and 12 assists.
