NATIONAL Basketball League (NBL)1 competitions are wrapping up around the country, and in the final round of the Central Women’s, Casey Samuels led the Central Districts Lions to an eight-point win over the South Adelaide Panthers at STARplex.

It was a thrilling way to finish off the regular season, with both sides booking in a top four spot having produced impressive campaigns. However, the stakes were still high, with the potential for both teams to move up in the standings. If the Lions won and the top-placed Sturt Sabres fell (although they ended up winning anyway), Central Districts would have moved to first position and earned a week off to start the finals. Conversely, the Panthers could have moved up to third and booked another clash with the Lions with a win in this match.

The home side started Saturday night’s clash with a bang, as the Lions broke away on the scoreboard to secure a nine-point lead at the first change. South Adelaide made some defensive adjustments and was able get back into the contest as the game rolled on. Heading into the fourth quarter, Central Districts’ lead was cut down to just three points, and in a high-scoring final term, the Lions were too good when it mattered most and claimed an 82-74 win.

Samuels was the standout for the Lions, posting a massive double-double and leading her side to victory on the eve of the finals.

Central Districts Lions (82) def. South Adelaide Panthers (74)

Casey Samuels – 25 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal

Samuels highlighted her importance in the win over the Panthers as a championship tilt approaches, stuffing the stat sheet and looking a class above.

She made nine of her 16 attempts from the field and posted a game-high 25 points, and was able to find space with ease. Samuels got into good spots off the ball and had plenty of success attacking the rim, shooting 6/8 from two-point territory, while also sinking three triples throughout the match too.

Samuels was also emphatic on the glass, crashing the boards and pulling down 13 rebounds (three offensive). It was the most of any player on her team and showed how well she can hold her position underneath the basket.

She spread her scoring out across all four quarters, and was a steadfast presence when the Panthers were looking to take over the match. Samuels was a match-winning factor in the contest and will play a pivotal role in the upcoming finals series as the Lions look to take home the ultimate prize.