AN excellent all-around performance from Nicole Munger helped the Newcastle Falcons defeat the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and book a spot in the 2024 National Basketball League (NBL)1 East Women’s Grand Final.

The Falcons hosted the Sea Eagles at Newcastle Basketball Stadium on Saturday evening, with each side’s season on the line. Newcastle came into the game in ripping fashion, having handed the Albury-Wodonga Bandits their first loss of the season in the first week of finals, advancing straight through to the prelims. On the other hand, Manly Warringah suffered a qualifying final loss, and had to take the scenic route, but made it to the penultimate week all the same.

The home side stamped its authority on the contest with a tremendous opening quarter, outscoring the Sea Eagles 25-12 to start the game in perfect fashion. Although the visitors performed better than that for the remainder of the match, it proved to be a defining period, as the Falcons claimed a 16-point win to move on to the big dance.

Munger was terrific for the winning side, doing a bit of everything in the win and helping her team continue its dominant run.

Newcastle Falcons (88) def. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (72)

Nicole Munger – 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal

One of Newcastle’s biggest stars delivered on the big stage, with Munger showing her class in a performance that was reflective of the Falcons’ dominance.

She was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points for the match, helping Newcastle get off to a hot start in the opening period. Munger knocked down three triples in the first term to give the Falcons a massive scoreboard boost and help them build the match-winning lead.

Going a perfect 3/3 from behind the arc, she showcased her ability to knock down shots off the dribble, breaking down the defence to create space and showing composure when shooting the ball, despite any defensive pressure.

On the glass, Munger did the dirty work to pull down eight defensive rebounds and body out the opposition to get the possession for Newcastle, given much of the attention was given to fellow Falcon Isla Juffermans.

Munger and Juffermans worked in tandem on the scoring front too, with the former often dishing out excellent passes in pick and rolls. Juffermans finished the game with 19 points and Munger’s passing helped set up plenty of good looks.

It was a truly impactful showing from Munger, who has been a barometer for Newcastle in the postseason and will be a key player in the grand final.