WNBL Round 14 (Regular Season): Perth beats Bendigo in the most crucial game of the week

The Regular Season in WNBL is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 3 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Perth. Second ranked Perth Lynx faced their close opponent Bendigo Spirit. Host Perth Lynx (14-5) defeated guests from Bendigo (13-4) 85-81. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Perth made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Alex Wilson (175-1994) who scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Anneli Maley (185-1998, college: TCU) chipped in 12 points and 16 rebounds. International guard Isobel Borlase (180-2004) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the guests. Perth maintains second position with 14-5 record having just three points less than leader Townsville. Defending champion Bendigo dropped to the third place with four games lost. Perth are looking forward to face Sydney (#6) on the road in the next round. Bendigo will play against Canberra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Perth. First ranked Townsville Fire faced second-ranked Perth Lynx. Guests from Townsville (16-4) defeated host Perth Lynx (14-5) 82-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Perth Lynx. The former international swingman Courtney Woods (183-1997, college: NIU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 13 assists. Miela Sowah contributed with 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Alex Wilson (175-1994) replied with 26 points and 5 rebounds for Perth. Townsville Fire have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 16-4 record. Perth at the other side keeps the second place with five games lost. Townsville will play against Southside (#4) in Dandenong in the next round. Perth will play on the road against Sydney and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked United managed to get a fifth victory on Friday night. This time newly promoted United outleveled sixth-ranked Sydney Flames in Geelong 105-77. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 28-point difference proves that United was well-prepared to that game. Mackenzie Holmes had a double-double by scoring 28 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks to lead the charge for the winners. Keely Froling responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Geelong U. (5-14) moved-up to seventh place. Loser Sydney Flames keeps the sixth position with 14 games lost. Geelong U. will meet at home bottom-ranked Adelaide (#8) in the next round. Sydney will play against the league's second-placed Perth and will have a slim chance for a victory.

Rest of the games of round 14 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Sydney was defeated by Adelaide in a road game 76-65. Southside smashed Adelaide at home 82-58. Canberra lost to Townsville on the opponent's court 69-78. Adelaide unfortunately lost to Canberra in a home game 61-67.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.

Adelaide - Sydney 76-65

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 6th ranked Sydney Flames (6-14) were defeated on the road by bottom-ranked Adelaide Lightning (5-15) 76-65 on Tuesday. Adelaide made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. The former international forward Steph Talbot (188-1994) scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Dallas Loughridge (167-2004) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) during the contest. Four Adelaide Lightning players scored in double figures. Adelaide Lightning's coach Kerryn Mitchell used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international forward Keely Froling (188-1996, college: SMU) responded with 17 points and 9 rebounds and forward Shaneice Swain (185-2003) scored 20 points and 4 steals. Despite that victory Adelaide went down to eighth position due to points difference. Loser Sydney Flames keeps the sixth place with 14 games lost. Adelaide will meet higher ranked Geelong U. (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sydney will play against the league's second-placed Perth and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Sydney: S.Swain 20+3reb+2ast, E.Agnes 18+4reb, K.Froling 17+9reb, P.Carla 5+5reb+3ast, M.Jessica 3+1reb+4ast, C.Mikhaela 2+4reb+1ast
Adelaide: T.Steph 19+7reb+5ast, L.Dallas 19+5reb+2ast, F.Sania 14+5reb+2ast, B.Tayla 10+5reb+1ast, A.Strawbridge 9+1reb, W.Charlotte 5+4reb+1ast

Perth - Bendigo 85-81

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Perth. Second ranked Perth Lynx faced their close opponent Bendigo Spirit. Host Perth Lynx (14-5) defeated guests from Bendigo (13-4) 85-81. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Perth made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Alex Wilson (175-1994) who scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Anneli Maley (185-1998, college: TCU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 16 rebounds. International guard Isobel Borlase (180-2004) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and the former international power forward Kelsey Griffin (188-1987, college: Nebraska) added 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Perth and four Bendigo players scored in double figures. Perth maintains second position with 14-5 record having just three points less than leader Townsville. Defending champion Bendigo dropped to the third place with four games lost. Perth are looking forward to face Sydney (#6) on the road in the next round. Bendigo will play against Canberra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bendigo: I.Borlase 21+11reb+3ast, R.Kelsey 16+4reb+1ast, K.Griffin 15+10reb+1ast, A.Wehrung 10+2reb+3ast, M.Megan 9+7reb+9ast, E.Clarke 7+4reb
Perth: W.Alex 26+7reb+3ast, H.Xu 14+10reb+1ast, A.Amy 13+3reb+1ast, M.Anneli 12+16reb+3ast, C.Alex 11+4reb+4ast, M.Yemiyah 4+2reb

Geelong U. - Sydney 105-77

Bottom-ranked United managed to get a fifth victory on Friday night. This time newly promoted United outleveled sixth-ranked Sydney Flames in Geelong 105-77. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 28-point difference proves that United was well-prepared to that game. Geelong U. dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Sydney Flames's 32. Geelong U. looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Sydney's players. American forward Mackenzie Holmes (190-2001, college: Indiana, agency: LBM Management) had a double-double by scoring 28 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Alissa Pili (188-2001, college: Utah) chipped in 28 points and 7 assists during the contest. The former international forward Keely Froling (188-1996, college: SMU) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Unique Thompson (190-1999, college: Auburn) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Geelong U. (5-14) moved-up to seventh place. Loser Sydney Flames keeps the sixth position with 14 games lost. Geelong U. will meet at home bottom-ranked Adelaide (#8) in the next round. Sydney will play against the league's second-placed Perth and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Sydney: K.Froling 14+7reb+2ast, U.Thompson 12+10reb+1ast, C.Mikhaela 11+3reb+5ast, P.Carla 11+2ast, S.Swain 10+2reb+2ast, E.Agnes 7+4reb+1ast
Geelong U.: H.Mackenzie 28+15reb+5ast, A.Pili 28+4reb+7ast, H.Shyla 12+3reb+3ast, S.Jazmin 12+1reb+7ast, B.Elissa 11+3reb+3ast, S.Alexandra 7+6reb+2ast

Southside - Adelaide 82-58

No shocking result in a game in Dandenong where fifth ranked Southside Flyers (8-9) smashed bottom-ranked Adelaide Lightning (5-15) 82-58 on Saturday. Southside made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. International center Cayla George (193-1989) had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Isabelle Bourne (188-2000, college: Nebraska) chipped in 16 points during the contest. Four Southside Flyers players scored in double figures. The former international forward Steph Talbot (188-1994) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Dallas Loughridge (167-2004) scored 22 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Southside moved-up to fourth place. Loser Adelaide Lightning dropped to the bottom position with 15 games lost. Southside will meet league's leader Townsville on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Adelaide will play against Geelong U. (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Adelaide: D.Loughridge 22+2reb+1ast, S.Feagin 16+6reb+1ast, S.Talbot 12+10reb+4ast, T.Brazel 6+2reb+1ast, F.Maddy 2+2reb, S.Ashlee 0+1reb+1ast
Southside: B.Isabelle 16+4reb+3ast, G.Cayla 13+11reb+4ast, M.Puoch 13+4reb+1ast, R.Maddison 11+1reb+5ast, R.Tera 8+1reb+2ast, L.Nyaduoth 6+2reb+2ast

Townsville - Canberra 78-69

Very expected game when 5th ranked Canberra Capitals (8-10) were defeated on the road by first ranked Townsville Fire (16-4) 78-69 on Sunday. Townsville forced 22 Canberra turnovers. Strangely Canberra outrebounded Townsville 43-26 including 28 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international swingman Courtney Woods (183-1997, college: NIU) had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) to lead the charge for the winners and forward Alicia Froling (190-1996, college: SMU) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The former international power forward Zitina Aokuso (193-1998) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds and guard Jayda Clark (163-2005) scored 12 points and 7 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Townsville Fire have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 16-4 record. Loser Canberra Capitals keeps the fifth place with ten games lost. Townsville will meet at home Southside (#4) in the next round. Canberra will play against Bendigo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Canberra: K.Sissoko 15+6reb+1ast, C.Jayda 12+4reb+7ast, A.Zitina 11+12reb+2ast, N.Puoch 11+7reb, E.Shearer 7+4reb, M.Nicole 7+5reb+1ast
Townsville: W.Courtney 20+5reb+10ast, F.Alicia 14+6reb+2ast, F.Alexandra 11+6reb+3ast, H.Chantel 11+1reb+1ast, A.Ellis 8+4reb+3ast, O.Lucy 8+1reb+1ast

Adelaide - Canberra 61-67

Rather predictable result when fifth ranked Canberra Capitals (8-10) beat on the road bottom-ranked Adelaide Lightning (5-15) 67-61 on Tuesday. Canberra dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Adelaide Lightning's 24. The former international power forward Zitina Aokuso (193-1998) scored 9 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Nyadiew Puoch (190-2004) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The former international forward Steph Talbot (188-1994) responded with 21 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and New Zealand forward Charlotte Whittaker (190-2000, college: Colorado, agency: LBM Management) scored 9 points and 8 rebounds. Canberra maintains fifth position with 8-10 record. Loser Adelaide Lightning dropped to the bottom place with 15 games lost. Canberra will meet at home higher ranked Bendigo (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Adelaide will play against Geelong U. (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Adelaide: S.Talbot 21+8reb+2ast, D.Loughridge 11+2reb+5ast, C.Whittaker 9+8reb+2ast, S.Feagin 8+6reb+2ast, R.Sharne 3+3reb, T.Brazel 3+3reb+2ast
Canberra: I.Brancatisano 15+2reb+2ast, P.Nyadiew 13+6reb+3ast, Z.Aokuso 9+8reb+6ast, J.Clark 9+3reb+3ast, S.Kadiatou 8+6reb+1ast, N.Munger 5+1ast

Perth - Townsville 76-82

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Perth. First ranked Townsville Fire faced second-ranked Perth Lynx. Guests from Townsville (16-4) defeated host Perth Lynx (14-5) 82-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Perth Lynx. They outrebounded Perth 50-39 including 36 on the defensive glass. Townsville players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The former international swingman Courtney Woods (183-1997, college: NIU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 9 rebounds and 13 assists. The former international guard Miela Sowah (180-2000, college: Duke) contributed with 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Alex Wilson (175-1994) replied with 26 points and 5 rebounds and the former international forward Anneli Maley (185-1998, college: TCU) added 7 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Perth. Four Perth players scored in double figures. Townsville Fire have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 16-4 record. Perth at the other side keeps the second place with five games lost. Townsville will play against Southside (#4) in Dandenong in the next round. Perth will play on the road against Sydney and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Perth: A.Wilson 26+5reb+3ast, A.Atwell 15+4reb+2ast, X.Han 11+5reb+1ast, A.Ciabattoni 11+3reb+2ast, A.Maley 7+15reb+4ast, S.Gorman 3+4ast
Townsville: S.Miela 23+9reb+1ast, W.Courtney 17+9reb+13ast, F.Alexandra 13+7reb, H.Chantel 9+7reb+1ast, F.Alicia 8+10reb+2ast, A.Ellis 6+5reb+1ast