WNBL Preview - Round 12

It’s the final round before a two-week Christmas break in the Price Attack Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

Fans will be treated to a Round of blockbuster matches this weekend, with Canberra making the journey to Melbourne for the Southern Nightmare double-header.

If Canberra can get two wins over the Victorian teams, they will be granted the best Christmas present they could hope for - first place on the ladder with four rounds to go.

Tune into ABC-TV this Saturday afternoon for the Game of the Week between the Dandenong Rangers and the Canberra Capitals. The match will be replayed on ABC2 at 11am on Sunday.

Dandenong Rangers vs Canberra Capitals

Friday, December 16
Dandenong Basketball Stadium
Tip-off:   7:00pm

Last time these two teams met, Canberra dished up an upset, defeating the Rangers by two points at the AIS Arena.

Recently departed Alana Beard played a big role in that win, but her eight games with the Caps breathed an aura of confidence and self-belief into the team that continues even without her.

The Capitals are on a seven-game winning streak, and will be hoping to make it nine by weekend’s end. This will catapult them to the top of the table and give them a superb boost with only four rounds remaining until the finals.

Dandenong got a real boost of confidence from their 56-39 win over cross-town rivals the Bulleen Melbourne Boomers last week, and they will be determined to fight for their top spot this weekend.

Should they defeat the Caps, they will rest easier over the Christmas break with the advantage over Canberra.

The match up inside between Opals hopefuls Jenny Whittle and Jacinta Hamilton will one to watch in this match and could determine the outcome of what will be a tough encounter.

Milestones: There are quite a few milestones to be reached in this match, with Eleanor Sharp playing her 200th match, Emma Randall suiting up for her 100th, and youngster Kathleen Macleod playing her 50th. Jenny Whittle is just seven rebounds away from 2000.

Perth Lynx vs Townsville Fire

Friday, December 16
Perry Lakes Stadium, Perth
Tip-off:   7:00pm

The Lynx were hopeful of a victory leading up to last week’s match against the Flames, but were disappointed to be on the wrong side of the scoreboard at the end of regulation time.

The Flames also dished out a loss to the Fire, and Townsville coach David Herbert made his disappointment with his guards desperately clear following the match. Townsville has been working hard on their offence this week and will come out firing in the hope of regaining their place in outright fifth.

And Townsville’s guards will need to be on their toes to counter the outstanding form of Perth’s Deanna Smith, who must be in contention for the season’s MVP award. Smith is still out in front on the League scoring table, but can be slowed down if the right pressure is applied, as witnessed in their game against Sydney Uni when Belinda Snell kept her to 17 points.

Rohanee Cox returns from the Opals camp this week, and will hopefully bring with her a return to form after a couple of quiet weeks. Townsville fans are hoping they have yet another Australian representative to cheer for come the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Milestones: Deanna Smith is just two rebounds away from 500.

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) vs Sydney Uni Flames

Saturday, December 17
Frank Stewart Training Hall, Canberra
Tip-off:   7:30pm

After two good wins last weekend, Sydney Uni will be looking to finish the year with a run of strong wins.

The AIS are still winless under new coach Dean Kinsman, but slowly, names and faces of the next generation of stars are emerging.

New scholarship holder, Katie Ebzery, is one of those names. At 15 years of age, the Newcastle girl has a lot of potential as a future WNBL player and an Australian representative.

Sydney Uni should not have any trouble against the students, but need to use the match to build on their fitness, which has let them down in the final quarters of big games in the first half of the season.

Belinda Snell is starting to lift after a sluggish start to the season, and her fans hope to see a continuation of the sharp shooting of last season.

Milestones: Trish Fallon is five offensive rebounds away from 500.

Bulleen Melbourne Boomers vs Canberra Capitals

Saturday, December 17
Knox Basketball Stadium
Tip-off:   7:30pm

The Boomers move to Knox Stadium for a big match up against close contenders, the Canberra Capitals on Saturday night.

The match was originally scheduled to be played at the bigger venue to cater for the increased crowd expected to watch Lauren Jackson. Jackson will be on the sideline, but a new reason for huge local support has been born – the need for revenge.

Bulleen Melbourne’s loss to Dandenong, and Canberra’s two good wins in Round 11 pushed the Caps into outright second position, and the Boomers to third. With great support for their team so far this season, the Bulleen Melbourne fans should be out in force to help get their team over the line.

With the Caps likely to be weary from a tough game against Dandenong on Friday night, the Boomers should pounce on this opportunity to get a strong win at home before the hiatus.

Canberra’s tall timber will have a big advantage over Hollie Grima (190cm) inside, but Katrina Hibbert’s good form will be a big plus for the home team.

On recent form, Canberra should have the goods to win this match, but if Bulleen Melbourne fire, the game could go either way.

Milestones: Katrina Hibbert is five rebounds away from 500.

Adelaide Fellas vs Townsville Fire

Sunday, December 18
Wayville Basketball Stadium, Adelaide
Tip-off: 12:00pm

Another Sunday afternoon encounter at home for the Fellas this week. This Sunday they are sure to be hoping for a better result than last week when they went down to the Sydney Uni Flames in sweltering conditions.

The Fire will be recovering from a trip to Perth when they face the Fellas, and their bodies will be ensure of what time it is after travelling through a myriad of time zones.

Adelaide will need to take advantage of any weakness in the Townsville armour if they are to stave of a tough fight for a position in the finals.

This is the third and final time these teams will meet this season, with the series, currently tied at one apiece, on the line.

There will be some great match ups in the game. Watch for Erin Phillips against Kelly Wilson, and the big one, Jenni Screen on Rohanee Cox.

Adelaide should have the legs and the talent to get over Townsville this weekend.

Note: All match start times are local.

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WNBL Review - Round 11 (Mon Dec 12)