IT is grand final time across the NBL1 leagues around Australia, and in the Central Women’s competition, Alex Wilson dragged the Norwood Flames into the decider after a massive performance in the 10-point win over the Southern Tigers.

The two sides clashed at The ARC in Campbelltown on Saturday night, with the winner booking a spot in the big dance against the unbeaten Sturt Sabres. During the regular season, the two teams enjoyed similar amounts of success, although the Tigers pulled out a couple more wins throughout the fixture, and would have been slim favourites. However, Norwood took home the chocolates when these sides faced off a fortnight prior, snagging an eight point win.

It was a tight affair, and although the Flames held the scoreboard advantage, the Tigers seemed to always keep themselves in the fight. Every time Norwood tried to land the knockout blow in the fourth quarter, Southern always had the answer down the other end, maintaining its status as a mathematical possibility to mount a comeback. Ultimately, time was its biggest enemy, as the Flames held on for a 79-69 triumph and a chance to upset the Sabres next weekend.

There is no chance Norwood would have emerged victorious if not for the outing of Wilson, who was a monster for the winning side.

Norwood Flames (79) def. Southern Tigers (69)

Alex Wilson – 34 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block

There was no player who came close to Wilson in terms of impact on the match as a whole, leaving her stamp on the contest and proving too much for Southern Tigers’ defensive structure.

Wilson’s performance was a massive roadblock for the Tigers as they looked to mount a comeback, with the 29-year-old proving the difference between the two teams.

Her 34 points was a clear game-high total (the next best was Bianca Stasinowsky on 21), and accounted for nearly half of Norwood’s score as a team. It was evident the Flames were looking to get the ball in her hands as much as possible and help get her into scoring positions, and the move paid off in a big way.

She made nine baskets on 20 attempts from the field, with shots coming from all three levels. Although Wilson was slightly less accurate from downtown, shooting just 33 per cent, her four made three-pointers were so crucial in her team getting to a winning score.

Wilson consistently put the opposition’s defence under the pump, especially in the paint. She drove into the hoop with intent, and ended up drawing plenty of contact as a result. From the free throw line, she made 12 baskets on 16 attempts, helping Norwood keep its score ticking over further, much to the dismay of the opposition.

As a rebounder, Wilson made sure to always chase down an opposition field goal attempt, recording a game-high 17 rebounds as well. All of these came on the defensive end, getting best position under the hoop to box out the Tigers, prevent her opponent from getting an offensive board, and getting first hands on the ball herself.

It was as dominant a performance as Wilson has produced all year, and single-handedly kept Norwood’s season alive as a result. She will need to produce similar numbers this weekend if the Flames are to upset the ladder-leaders, but Wilson has shown she is well and truly capable of doing so.