WNBL: Whitcomb lights up for the Lynx
Sami Whitcomb has led the Perth Lynx to an emphatic victory over Canberra to get them back on the winners board.
Whitcomb showed off her class shooting with an incredible 23 points, accompanied by 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals to bring the Lynx from behind to a 6 point win. She was the only player not to leave the court, playing the entire 40 minutes in her usual quick pace showing her endurance is at another level.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uYIY6XA-vs
The Melbourne Boomers were able to secure a fantastic result with two victories over the weekend against Adelaide and Bendigo.
The Boomers had a memorable win in key player Maddie Garrick's 150th WNBL game, coming from 17 points behind in the third quarter to win by 4 points. Garrick performed well in her milestone game, notching up 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Brittany Smart (17) and Rebecca Cole (13) were also solid contributors who helped the Boomers get over the line.
The Boomers now sit 2nd on the WNBL ladder, chasing the Dandenong Rangers tail very closely.
It seems the entire WNBL community is hoping Adelaide earn their first win, but they're going to need to find alternative options other than the reliable Laura Hodges and Samantha Logic to get some more points on the boards.
Sydney Uni Flames were also able to get a few wins strung together, overcoming Bendigo by 5 points and Townsville by just 1 point.
Leilani Mitchell (2o points, 5 rebounds, 6 steals) and Asia Taylor (19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks) were the villains to Townsville's hopes, overcoming solid performances by Mia Murray, Suzy Batkovic and Micaela Cocks to bring the Flames to a crucial victory.
Townsville's woes weren't only with the Flames, as the night before a dominant Dandenong Rangers outfit blitzed them by 29 points.
A huge 22 turnovers by the Fire cost them, as the Rangers were barely able to put a foot wrong all night. Steph Cumming was all over it for the Rangers again, with 21 points and 6 assists. Sara Blicavs (15 points, 8 rebounds) and Jacinta Kennedy (13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) were solid all night with the help of their smaller counterparts Amy Clydesdale and Amelia Todhunter.
Whilst Bendigo were on the pointy end of a few close matches, they will be pleased with the performances of Canadian import Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe and the reliable Kerryn Harrington.
https://twitter.com/WNBL/status/790456022552879105
Round 4 Predictions
UC Capitals v Melbourne Boomers
This could very well be the game of the round. Boomers are in fine form and playing with heaps of passion, whereas the Caps will be out for redemption after last week's loss to the Lynx.
Key Match-Up:
Lauren Mansfield v Brittany Smart
Dandenong Rangers v Bendigo Spirit
The Rangers have been in some brilliant form since their poor Round 2 performance against the Spirit, whilst Bendigo were on the tough end of two close matches in Round 3. Should be another close game, but expecting the Rangers to get over the line.
Key Match-Up:
Steph Cumming v Heather Oliver
Townsville Fire v Bendigo Spirit
A tough weekend for Bendigo sees them coming up against the in form team and the reigning premiers. Both had similar Round 3's with some close losses, expecting both teams to go all out to get the W.
Key Match-Up:
Kelly Wilson v Kerryn Harrington
Perth Lynx v Adelaide Lightning
A tough start to the season for the Lightning who have been unable to get a win on the board even in those tight games. Expecting champion Laura Hodges to continue to dig deep for her beloved team, but will they have an answer for Sami Whitcomb.
Key Match-Up:
Carley Mijovic v Laura Hodges
Melbourne Boomers v Dandenong Rangers
In the Boomers iconic Melbourne Cup Eve game, this should be one entertaining game. The Rangers depth is running deep but the Boomers are thriving off their home crowd.
Key Match-Up:
Alice Kunek v Sara Blicavs