Written by volunteers of Basketball NSW.
GAME #19 – DIAMOND VALLEY EAGLES (77) defeated NORTHS BEARS (40)
Utilising their size advantage and defensive pressure, the Eagles took it to the defending Champions with Casey Paea's 16 points answering a solid game from Norths' Sophie Cole (nine points).
GAME #20 – FORESTVILLE EAGLES (63) defeated CAIRNS DOLPHINS (48)
Whilst Cairns showed great composure at the offensive end of the floor they had no answer to the height and rebounding prowess of the Eagles as Lucy Knight and Shanty Kaigey impressed for Forestville and the Dolphins respectively.
GAME #21 – KNOX RAIDERS (66) defeated NEWCASTLE HUNTERS (45)
The aggressive defense of the Raiders set the tone for the match and allowed them to get into efficient offence through transition. Newcastle tried to get the ball inside the paint with some good post feeds but Knox always had the answer with some high percentage shooting as Katie Karajic-Powell and Zoe Jenkins combined for 29 points while for the Hunters, Rosanna Jennings was solid with 14 points.
GAME #22 – MANLY SEA EAGLES (74) defeated ALICE SPRINGS SUNS (15)
The Sea Eagles were disciplined with their team structures and as a result were very efficient in their offensive execution as Catriona Henderson (16 points) led four players in double-figures.
GAME #23 – PERRY LAKES HAWKS (61) defeated NORTH WEST TASMANIA THUNDER (38)
The Hawks proved dominant on the boards and with a high shooting percentage, took the contest away from the Thunder despite a determined effort from the Tasmanians and Sharn Haywood in particular.
GAME #24 – SOUTH WEST METRO PIRATES (65) defeated STURT SABRES (56)
With a spot in the Championship division on the line, the Sabres came out firing and controlled the game with their defensive pressure until mid-way through the third quarter. The Pirates mounted a charge and never gave up the lead once they edged in front with Cynelle Marama's 18 points leading the way.
GAME #25 – HORNSBY SPIDERS (51) defeated NORTHERN TASMANIA FORESTERS (39)
Overcoming the bigger Foresters, Hornsby came away with a strong win as their tenacious effort at both ends of the floor was rewarded. In a solid all-round performance, Erica Pitman recorded 18 points for the victors.
GAME #26 – DARWIN CYCLONES (29) defeated by STIRLING SENATORS (49)
Put under pressure from the opening tip, the Cyclones were hit by a barrage from the Senators who looked to attack the basket on every opportunity and get Darwin into foul trouble. A 23-7 advantage from the free-throw line proved decisive as Georgina Harding collected 14 points for Stirling.
GAME #27 – ROCKINGHAM FLAMES (28) defeated by CANBERRA CAPITALS (46)
In a battle for second place within their pool, both teams started nervously but the Capitals relentless defence enabled them to assert their authority on the contest with Kassiy Fox scoring 12 points for the victors.
GAME #28 – ILLAWARRA HAWKS (53) defeated WONTHAGGI COASTERS (48)
Wonthaggi jumped out to an early 7-0 lead but Illawarra were able to cut that to a one-point advantage heading into the final term. The last quarter was a tense battle but the Hawks composure down the stretch proved key as Ella Dent and Mackenzie Roddam starred while Gemma Thomas impressed for the Coasters.
GAME #29 – IPSWICH FORCE (58) defeated CENTRAL DISTRICT LIONS (55)
Going down to the wire in a see-sawing affair, the Force took the win as they were able to finish at the rim in crucial stages down the stretch with Karissa Grigg's 14 points a star performance.
GAME #30 – BULLEEN BOOMERS (92) defeated GOSFORD CITY REBELS (17)
Leading by 15 points just five minutes into the game, Bulleen took the contest away from Gosford early and although they tried tirelessly at the defensive end, the ball movement from the Boomers proved too good. Elizabeth Odria top-scored with 18 points.
GAME #31 – DIAMOND VALLEY EAGLES (79) defeated CAIRNS DOLPHINS (38)
After an impressive first quarter that showcased Cairns' ability to handle pressure and slow down the opposition's transition game, Diamond Valley were able to counter with a patient offence and some solid finishing around the rim. Paea (18 points) was well supported by Kristiana Colton (11 points) as the Eagles finished their pool games undefeated.
GAME #32 – FORESTVILLE EAGLES (59) defeated NORTHS BEARS (49)
Played at a very fast tempo, both the Eagles and Bears were tenacious in their defence but Forestville's height and athleticism proved too much in an impressive win. Isabelle Morgan kept Norths in the contest while Amy Cotton led the way for the Eagles.
GAME #33 – KNOX RAIDERS (53) defeated NORTH WEST TASMANIA THUNDER (23)
After a scrappy first quarter, the Raiders clicked into gear and increased their defensive intensity to set-up a match winning lead by half-time, having held the Thunder to just three points in the second term while every player for Knox scored.
GAME #34 – NEWCASTLE HUNTERS (54) defeated PERRY LAKES HAWKS (48)
The Hunters started the game well, looking to go inside to their interior players at every opportunity and in combination with Keely McLean they built themselves an early eight-point lead. They maintained that lead for most of the match but Perry Lakes fought hard, gaining the ascendancy with just under three minutes remaining. Newcastle remained calm to secure the close win with Katie Kingham scoring a valuable 15 points.
GAME #35 – STURT SABRES (86) defeated NT SOUTH SUNS (9)
Following their loss earlier in the day to the Pirates, Sturt had a point to prove and the Suns felt the full force of their conviction as their opposition began the match with a 21-0 run. To NT South's credit, they continued to hustle for all the loose balls and keep the Sabres on their toes until the final siren.
GAME #36 - MANLY SEA EAGLES (58) defeated SOUTH WEST METRO PIRATES (19)
The Sea Eagles showed they are emerging as one of the teams to beat at the tournament with a comprehensive win, highlighted by 17 points from Catriona Henderson.
