NotJackToft
Years ago
Round 15 CABL Preview
Well after a massive round of hoops last week, we see some more pivotal games in this season being played this week. This will be stats light due to time constraint, but lets see if we can generate a bit more discussion about some of the seasons most important games.
First up:
WOMEN'S
North (5th 9-5) v West (7th 5-9) @ Hillcrest
North without Jo Hill plucked the eagles last week by 7, and hold the first meeting with West by 14. West were beaten comfortably last round by the Flames by 26. It is hard to see the Bearcats getting the upset here, with North starting to show some of the form that can make them a threat to the Flames throne. Anderson showed some form she left the Tigers with, and if the rockets are to feature in August, they need her as another offensive option. Last time they met the Rockets held a 56-22 rebounding advantage, something the Bearcats will want to fix if they are to stand a chance. North by 16.
South (10th 1-14) v Woodville (6th 6-9) @ Marion
The Warriors have found some serious end of season form, going 2-0 last weekend beating Centrals by 18 and the Sabres by 15. Unfortunatley for them it is a little too late, as being the sixth placed side and three games behind with three to go, means finals will evade them again this year. In contrast the Panthers went 0-2 to Norwood and Eastern, losing by 47 and 18 respectively. Last time out, the Warriors won 48-40. Woodville have improved, but South haven't. Woodville by 23.
Sturt (3rd 11-4) v Eastern (2nd 11-3) @ Pasadena
MOTR. I am hesitant to say this, as the Sabres were rubbish last weekend. 0-2 against Woodville and Southern sees them probably lose home court in the finals. Giving up 162 points in two games, shows that they have serious defensive deficiencies, and especially against teams that have struggle to put the ball in the hole. Eastern on the other hand have been slowly plodding along, stringing together 3 wins, with Madgen, and look to only improve upon her return. Last time out Eastern shot 48%, Madgen with 39,14 and 11 and winning by 17. If she plays, Sturt will be in for a long night and Eastern by 18. If she doesn't I think the Sabres will bounce back by 7. The loss of their coach to played a huge role in last weekends games, and im sure he will want to be avoiding that again.
Centrals (9th 1-13) v Norwood (1st 15-0) @ Starplex
CERTAINTY. To rip off the footy show, this is my Certainty for this womens round. Last time out, the Flames won by 66 points, sharing the love equally and only Dukes putting up any resistance for the Lions. Whilst the Lions have improved, the flames are drawing closer to their perfect season. Simon to starve the cat for a day before the game, and the lions to be burnt. Flames by 44.
Forestville (4th 9-5) v Southern (8th 4-10) @ Wayville
The Sabres aren't the only top 5 side of a 2 game slide, with the Eagles joining them as well. Losing to North last round by and Sturt by 9 the week before, the Feagles look like pretenders leading into August. Not even a Granny Smith can save them for their likely demise this season, and a win over the Tigers wont help. Immediately after beating the Sabres in an overtime thriller last week, you would be forgiving for thinking that Southern played out of their skin. This was until Sturt got handed another loss the following afternoon by an also unranked Woodville, that one starts to think that maybe Sturt didn't get beaten, but perhaps beat themselves. Fawcett stared last Saturday night with 31 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 8 steals, but it was Rutland with the game winner 3 that sealed their fate. Forestville by 16.
MEN'S
North (5th 8-6) v West (1st 12-2) @ Hillcrest
MOTR. West on a three game streak, most recently downing Norwood by 9. North on a one game losing streak, however that was a 36 demolition by title hopefuls Forestville. I feel that North match up better against West, due to the inside presence of Pero, as the rockets struggled to contain Rios, Doyle and Gibson. Pero is coming off a night to forget, and Franceschinis continues to wind back the clock with some great offensive output. North will want to look to prove their worth leading into the major rounds, and on the brink of even missing out on the final 5 action - equal wins with 6 placed Sturt but played 1 less game and 1 game ahead of Southern, I am going to pick this as my upset for the Round, with North taking the game by 8 out of pure desperation.
South (9th 2-13) v Woodville (2nd 12-3) @ Marion
Charity Game this round with all admissions being donated to Beyond Blue. This is a great cause and fantastic initiative. Woodville won last time by 24 and they are coming off a great 2-0 weekend by beating Centrals by 20 and Sturt by 15. South recorded their second win of the season (both v Eastern) by 31, with Jordan Robertson having a blinder of 31 and 19 at 58%. Like I have mentioned previously, its not that South are a bad team, its just that Woodville are a little bit more experienced, and a little bit better. Warriors by 17
Sturt (6th 8-7) v Eastern (10th 0-14) @ Pasadena
Eastern came so close in the Rounds prior to the J.Rob show last week, however with so much reliance on the SB's and Scipio showing glimpses of ability but no real consistency, and no significant talent coming through, means Eastern's senior mens program may well be in the bomb shelter for a while longer. Sturt are coming off an important 13 point win against the 7th placed and 1 game back Southern however dropped the second game of the double header to finals contender Woodville. Easterns losing streak will continue tonight, with the Sabres having just too much to lose if they drop this game. Sabres by 22.
Centrals (4th 8-6) v Norwood (8th 6-9) @ Starplex
A huge game here for the Lions, and a win is of utmost importance for them. Like North and Forestville, they have an extra game to be played compared to the 6th placed Sturt, but a loss here puts them in a dangerous position of missing out. Norwoods season has not been a good one, and im sure Brad and his crew will be happy to put it behind them, but not without shaping some August action. Norwood only went down the finals favourite West by 9 last week. The lions got mauled by the Warriors by 20, and I think Centrals early season steam is running out. Centrals in a mid season slump, and if they don't act fast, they wont see any post season action. Norwood by 10.
Forestville (4th 9-5) v Southern (7th 7-7) @ Wayville
The eagles have been patchy, to say the least. With a quality outfit, and some big ins, they seem to be ironing out the kinks. However they don't have a lot of time to do it. When they are on, they will be next to impossible to guard with their guards by far the best in the league. A healthy Mottram makes a big difference for them. Southern are injury ravaged, and this has undone their promising season. They have a great young core, but some leadership needs to be shown by the coach and captain, and making sure that the right players are shooting the rock. When your starting point is shooting 7/40 in their last 4 outings, its probably time to start giving a red light. Last time round the Eagles only got up by 4, but with Gibbo in and Southern missing lots, the Eagles should win by 25.
