Round 10 is looking like a fun one! Check out our Games of the Week previews below:
CM
Wyndham v Melbourne University
The 2nd placed Wyndham play host to the 4th placed Melbourne University this weekend in their first encounter since Round 1 where Melbourne University upset Wyndham in what can only be described as one of the games of the season to date. In Round 1, this game was forced to overtime as Wyndham was carried by a spectacular performance by Maurice Howard who dropped 46 points to go with 9 rebounds. For Melbourne University, as it has been all season, it was a more team-orientated performance led by Nicholas Masunda and Joel Rimes who had 30 and 22 points respectively. Since their first match-up, Wyndham have welcomed back Manel Ayol and Aaron Dolny to the line-up whilst Melbourne University added some extra power through the guard position with Malik Potter being added. We would not be surprised if this game gets pushed to an overtime period again!
CW
Bulleen v Wyndham
A top-of-the-table clash between Bulleen and undefeated Wyndham takes place this Saturday night in what is the marquee game of a triple header at East Doncaster Secondary College. These teams first played each other in Round 6 when they both came in undefeated, it was ultimately Wyndham who took the chocolates by 15 after running away within in the second half. Bulleen will be better for that match-up with Coach Rogers up to the challenge; he will once again lean on usual suspect Olivia Bontempelli to lead the team but the recent form of Emily Maltezos and Annabel Deerbon has been crucial to the Boomers success. For Wyndham, it was Holly Dolny who was the X-factor off the bench for them the first time these teams met as she ably supported Amanda Paschal and Dyani Ananiev. If Bulleen can minimise their turnovers again in this one, it may be the best chance to knock off the undefeated Wyndham women!
D1M
Warrnambool v RMIT
In a weekend of Division One Men’s basketball where the entire top 6 play off against each other, this was the one that stood out the most. 4th placed Warrnambool host the 1st-placed RMIT in their second match-up of the season. These teams last played in Round 3 where Warrnambool were able to get a 7-point win led by star Jamal Pollydore who had 26 points and Oliver Bidmade who controlled the glass with 17 boards. Last time these two played, Warrnambool were able to limit the impact of Daniel Steen and Darcy Daniels which clearly interrupted the RMIT plans offensively, Coach Rovetto will be looking for ways to ensure they feature heavily in this game to change the previous result!
D1W
Warrnambool v Western Port
Western Port make the drive west to Warrnambool in what is an easy selection as Game of the Round for Round 10. These two teams have had a healthy rivalry in recent years with every game going down to the wire including their Round 3 match-up where the Warrnambool Mermaids got over the line by 8 points thanks to a strong final quarter. It was a strong team performance that got the Mermaids across the line, led by Tyleah Barr with 23 points in her standout performance for the season. Western Port's usual suspects Winters, Wansbrough and Mastellone were influential in the Round 3 game but they struggled to have much contribution off the bench. Western Port have addressed its depth issues since the early season and have been going from strength to strength so this is sure to be a fantastic game!
D2M
Surf Coast v Whittlesea
The improving Surf Coast face the ultimate challenge this weekend as they host the undefeated Whittlesea Pacers. The Pacers have not missed a beat this season, cruising to comfortable wins all season whilst having several different contributors across the board. They have been led by Patty Green who has wound back the clock and is playing some of the best basketball of his career, putting up seriously efficient numbers. Surf Coast will have to find an answer to slow him down and force him into bad shots. It’s the scoring power of Surf Coast that could help them challenge the Pacers, Tyler Erard has been phenomenal all season and has been well supported by Conrad Cooper. With everything trending in the right direction for Surf Coast, this could be the scalp that they’re after!
D2W
Gippsland United v Wallan
A short turnaround since the last time these two teams played, what a luxury to have another top-of-the-table clash. The last time these teams met it was Gippsland United who got the jump in the first half before Wallan came storming home to challenge and bring it back to 3 points late. Kylah Collins was the star in their Round 8 match-up, proving to be unstoppable on her way to 43 points, 16 rebounds and 7 steals. Whilst Olivia Dalmau was able to contribute 15 points, she will be hoping to be more efficient. The challenge they face with Gippsland United is the question mark of who do they need to stop, as they have several different options. Last time they played it was MaKenzie Miller who did most of the damage with the help of Emily Scholtes but as we have learned with Gippsland, they have several different options with the Arnason’s, Watson Tuplin and Hogg all being able to score confidently. This is going to be one that you can’t afford to miss!
VYCM
Sandringham vs Frankston
Game 2 between Sandringham and Frankston with the Blues looking for a different outcome as they fell short by 16 points back in Round 3. Joel Foxwell was the standout top scoring for the game with 22 points to go with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Jesse Lans and Brayden Laurie combined for 32 points, unable to get their group over the line. Both teams could be expecting different lineups this weekend, Frankston with Perry and Hastings and Sandringham including some NBL1 pieces. With these inclusions, Big V could see a very different game. The Blues are making moves winning 3 of their last 4 and the Sabres’ 2 on the trot, this will be a highly competitive game.
VYCW
Altona vs Casey
First, of their 2 battles in the Watson conference, Altona will be welcoming the top seed Casey Cavaliers this weekend in a 4 top battle leading into the second half of the season. Casey taking away 5 of their games, they’re on a serious run and looking like a serious finals contention team. Altona, winning 4 of their last 5 games, are too a team to look out for as they’ve got some pieces who can make big impacts at any point throughout the season. Alicia Sciberras will have to be on the ball this weekend as Nightingale and Webb will not make her night easy. Altona are a dominant offensive team averaging the highest ppg, and shooting the 4th best from beyond the arc. Casey will have to be locked in defensively ensuring they box out and close out possessions.
YL1M
Bulleen vs Wyndham
Looking back to the season opener, Wyndham managed to take out game 1 of this little series by 9 points against Bulleen with some big performances on both sides. Oskar Jones dominated the competition and finished with 31 points shooting 3 from 6 from the land of plenty to go with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Marcel Haj’s 17-point 13 rebound game was a highlight for the Boomers as they came very close, unable to stop trading baskets late in the 4th quarter. Looking ahead, Wyndham have won 4 of their last 5, making a push for a top 2 spot whilst Bulleen are sitting middle of the road winning 3 of their last 5. Sam Alexander has been impressive recently, making an impact in his 18 minutes. Bulleen hosting this weekend, we shall see how much of an impact this will have on the outcome.
YL1W
McKinnon vs Wyndham
First outing for these two, McKinnon to host Wyndham with their second hit out later in round 13 over at Eagle Stadium. Wyndham will be coming off a Saturday night game against Bulleen away from home as will McKinnon as they travel to Sunbury. Whether or not fatigue will set in for these teams, there is too much on the line as Wyndham have 2 dominant teams above them on the ladder and McKinnon cannot afford to drop off now after falling ever so short last weekend to the top team in the division. Two teams effectively averaging the same score line, it’ll be details on the defensive end that’ll mean the most in this Sunday clash. Which team will it be to take the win off the back of a doubleheader?
YL2M
Surfcoast vs Albury Wodonga
It was not to be for Surf Coast as it was a long travel home after a disappointing loss to Albury back in Round 5 at the Lauran Jackson Stadium falling by 25 points. Able to split the weekend back then, this week the Bandits will be coming down to the coast looking for the same outcome. Marcus La Spina walked away the scoring leader with 23 points to go with 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Off the bench, Daniel Clifton top scored for the Chargers with 22 points without the likes of Jesse Ombega hoping to make a big difference this weekend. Surf Coast is sitting just one spot above the Bandits in the Terril conference, this head-to-head battle will be very important leading into finals as it may make the difference between making the finals and missing out.
YL2W
Southern Peninsula vs Blackburn
The third and possibly last battle between these two groups with Southern Peninsula taking the home advantage after winning the first 2 games by a combined 29 points. Blackburn was unable to crack 60 in the 2 outings, looking to get one back this weekend away from home. Shaellee Higgins has proved to be the best in the last 2 games averaging 18ppg, she will have to be a key for the Vikings in the rooms pregame. Eryn Rosowski had a massive performance in the second game with 17 points and 19 rebounds. Jasmine Greenwood has been solid for the Vikings as the leading scorer, one who will need to have a big game with help from Ziebell and Kerian. Can the Vikings snatch one back in this 3-game series?
