Spectres Surprise in Semi-Final

Stepping up in the absence of Bec Cole, Nicole Romeo has sent the Nunawading Spectres into a Preliminary Final after nailing a shot in the dying seconds to beat Brisbane Lady Spartans, 57-55 in the Semi-Final.

Since losing Cole early in the season, Nunawading’s offence has been lacklustre but their defence has remained strict, allowing the least amount of points in the league.

They shot just 34% from the field but six extra offensive rebounds helped them to 13 more shot attempts. After trailing by six points at quarter-time, they gained the ascendancy with a 15-6 second term before the lead went back and forth in the second half.

Eight Spectres players hit the scoreboard including Kate Oliver (16 points, six rebounds, three assists) but it was Romeo (18, five and four) who proved the heroine with a made jump-shot in the final five seconds.

Brisbane had one last chance but could not connect on the miracle shot. They have now been eliminated from the playoffs after securing the Championship last season.

Nunawading will face Geelong on Saturday night while Launceston’s victory in the Tasmanian rivalry will see them visit Kilsyth.

In the men’s competition, Bendigo will host N-W Tasmania while Geelong and Dandenong will face off.