We need to lock Perth down: Wrobel

October 30, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

Acting JCU Townsville Fire coach Mark Wrobel has put the acid on his troops’ defence ahead of Saturday night’s clash against Perth.

Less than a fortnight ago, the Fire conceded their highest ever tally against the Lynx in 50 encounters as they gave up a season-high 98 points as imports Brittany McPhee (32 points) and Asia Taylor (21 points) filled it up from inside and outside the arc.

Having rebounded against Sydney Uni at the weekend, the Fire will look to register back-to-back wins for the first time in 2018/19 at Townsville Stadium.

“They’re playing really attractive basketball – particularly on the offensive end – scoring a lot of points so we’ve got to make sure that defensively we’re ready to go this week,” Wrobel said.

“We started off trying to set that tone last night and I thought we had a really good session…so hopefully we can continue to build.

“We can’t afford to allow Perth to score 98 points in our venue like they did at home last week so that will be our first job to try and restrict that.”

New Zealand international Stella Beck was a notable absentee when the two sides met in round two, with the Tall Ferns swingman a renowned defensive stopper.

Having made her Chemist Warehouse WNBL debut at the weekend, the 23-year-old has a number of match-ups that could work in her favour.

Two-time championship winner Darcee Garbin was quick to point out it would require a team approach, with the WA-product poised to clash once again with Taylor.

“She’s a tough player,” Garbin said.

“She gave us buckets the other week in Perth and I think we want to rectify that this week on our home court.”

The Fire host the Lynx from 7pm on Saturday night at Townsville Stadium.

Click here to pre-purchase your tickets to the Fire and the Lynx.

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