WNBL: Tolo dominates for the Capitals
With Round 2 complete, the Townsville Fire and Bendigo Spirit are at the top of the table and yet to drop a game. Canberra are close behind, hitting some red-hot form with the return of Marianna Tolo to the capital city.
It was the Capitals who kicked things off this weekend with their first win of the season, overcoming Adelaide in a tight contest by six points.
Friday night’s contest was close the whole way through, but Canberra managed to keep their noses just in front the entire night thanks to an incredible performances by Mikaela Ruef with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Marianna Tolo with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Colleen Planeta, Samantha Logic and Laura Hodges excelled, with a combined 54 points between them, but it wasn’t enough to get the Lightning over the line.
A low scoring affair saw Bendigo (59) get over the line against Dandenong (44), in what was probably a night to forget for the Rangers who shot at 26% from the field. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe dominated for the Spirit with 18 points and 14 rebounds.
However Dandenong were able to make a huge turnaround the next day, scoring a massive 50 points more than they did the previous night to beat the Perth Lynx 94-74. Steph Cumming was everywhere with 31 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
It wasn’t all downhill for the Lynx, who were able to get the win over Melbourne the night before by the small margin of three points. Carley Mijovic continued her brilliant shooting with 27 points, including a huge five three-pointers.
Kayla Standish put in a solid performance as Townsville were comfortable victors over Adelaide 85-56. Standish top scored for the Fire with 18 points and eight rebounds, while the reliable Laura Hodges fought hard for the Lightning with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Marianna Tolo went to another level in the last match of the round, with 38 points, 12 rebounds and three assists to help the Capitals to a victory over Sydney by nine points. Her incredible performance also helped her secure this week’s Player of the Week, making it well and truly known she is back better than ever after a four-year absence in the WNBL.
Check out Tolo's highlights below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag27XypiBHQ
All the highlights from Round 2 can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps0IhALZN7E
Round 2 Previews
Adelaide Lightning v Melbourne Boomers
With the Boomers getting their first win of the season over the Lightning in Round 1, expect a tough reception from Adelaide at their home court in this one. The Lightning will be keen to get their first win of the season after losing a few close ones.
Key Match-Up:
Samantha Logic v Maddie Garrick
Bendigo Spirit v Sydney Uni Flames
Expecting a good, close game from these two. Sydney are yet to get their first win, and Bendigo are sitting happy with 2 wins under their belt.
Key Match-Up:
Kesley Griffin v Asia Taylor
Dandenong Rangers v Townsville Fire
Dandenong Stadium will be alight as these two powerhouses meet on Friday night, shaping up to be a huge match with some fire in it as Natalie Novosel faces the Fire since leaving them after last season.
Key Match-Up:
Sara Blicavs v Mia Murray
Perth Lynx v Canberra Capitals
Both teams are sitting on two wins, shaping this game up to be quite an interesting one. Predicting a fast pace, high intensity game with the Lynx solid performers at home and Canberra in brilliant form.
Key Match-Up:
Lauren Mansfield v Sammi Whitcomb
Sydney Uni Flames v Townsville Fire
With the reigning champs yet to drop a game, it will be tough for Sydney who are yet to get the monkey off their back. The Flames will need to be physical, and play with a nothing to lose attitude to beat the favourites.
Key Match-Up:
Jennifer Hamson v Suzy Batkovic
Melbourne Boomers v Bendigo Spirit
Expecting lots of energy from these two young teams, but predicting the Boomers lack of height will hurt them. However the Boomers are hopeful they will regain centre Chante Black from injury, which would be crucial in this match up.
Key Match-Up:
Alice Kunek v Nayo Raincokc-Ekunwe