FOR the second time in a week, Melbourne Boomers produced the goods to overcome the Southside Flyers in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). After accounting for the Flyers by 19 points (91-72) last Saturday night, the Boomers repeated the dose last night with a 15-point triumph (87-72). But can fans draw the same conclusions from the matches, or were they coincidental near-identical performances?

RAW SCORES COMPARISON

As you can see from the table, the first half – in particular the second quarter – is where the game has been won and lost for the Boomers. They have gone an average of 13 points up by half-time, and really set themselves up for the second half. whilst the Flyers have managed to keep in touch with the Boomers in the second half of the matches, ultimately, the second term deficit has really cost them.

KEY STATS COMPARISON

Looking at the key stats, the Boomers are ahead in most statistical areas, but not by a great deal. The most important stat in this case is the steals and turnovers, with the Boomers having nine less turnovers and 10 more steals – no doubt related – which shows their ability to use the ball better and be switched on to win it back. Also, whilst their free throw shooting could still improve, the Boomers were far more efficient from the free throw line, with a massive 15.3 per cent greater efficiency, as well as 12.3 per cent overall.

LEADING INDIVIDUAL STATS (N1 & N2)

Lindsay Allen (Melbourne Boomers) 44 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists
Tiffany Mitchell (Melbourne Boomers) 36 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists
Cayla George (Melbourne Boomers) 33 points, 21 rebounds and 9 assists
Abby Bishop (Southside Flyers) 32 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists
Rebecca Cole (Southside Flyers) 30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists
Maddison Rocci (Southside Flyers) 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists
Tess Madgen (Melbourne Boomers) 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists
Ezi Magbegor (Melbourne Boomers) 25 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists
Kristy Wallace (Southside Flyers) 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists

Despite Allen taking the points – pardon the pun – for the highest scorer, the standout has been George, with the most rebounds and assists across the two games, and third overall for points. Bishop has similarly been important off the boards for the Flyers, whilst Cole has been consistent across the two nights. Mitchell and Allen have providing the scoring pressure for the Boomers, while the Flyers scoring drops off after the top three players.

OVERALL

Since losing to the Bendigo Spirit, the Boomers have found their groove again with the impressive back-to-back wins over the Flyers. They have used the ball well in transition, shot well, and shown greater depth that will hold them in good stead for the future. Though still a long way to go in the season, it has been a promising seven days for the Boomers against one of their biggest rivals.