LAST weekend saw the Willetton Tigers claim a 16-point win over the Perth Redbacks on the back of a huge double-double from Imani Guy in Round 3 of the 2024 National Basketball League (NBL)1 West Women’s competition.
Coming into the matchup, both teams were looking to record their first win of the season, with the Tigers losing their first match and the Redbacks winless from their opening two clashes. The biggest concern for Willetton was the extended break between outings, not hitting the court since Round 1, while Perth had been defeated by double-digits in each of its losses.
The game took place at Willetton Basketball Stadium on Friday night, and it was a tight start to the game. The Tigers’ rust was evident, and they trailed by one point at the first change, but kicked into gear in the second and third periods. During that time, the home side outscored the visitors 57-44, and although the Redbacks improved defensively in the last, it was too little, too late as Willetton cruised home to a 90-74 win.
The impact of Guy in multiple facets of the game ended up being crucial, and helping her side get on the board for the 2024 season.
Willetton Tigers (90) def. Perth Redbacks (74)
Imani Guy – 27 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks
Guy was a force on the scoring and rebounding fronts, and chipped in with solid numbers in the other key areas of the game in a towering performance.
The 193cm center was at her brilliant best as the team’s leading scorer with 27 points, and not afraid of putting up a shot. Guy was getting to her spots in the low post, and there was not much the opposition could do to slow her down.
From the field, she shot 10/21, becoming the go-to option for the Tigers on the offensive end and rolling to the hoop with intent. Guy also shot 7/9 from the charity stripe, making the most of the defence’s ill-discipline in an attempt to contain her.
Of her 12 rebounds, 10 came on the defensive end, chasing down opposition misses and boxing out strongly to take advantage of best position under the basket. She used her big frame to get to the ideal spots and nearly always got first hands on the ball.
It was a commanding performance from the team’s big, with Guy putting the Tigers on her back and steering them to a maiden victory for the year, with more on the horizon.
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