BRING ON THE FINALS FOLLOWING EPIC 86-87 PLAYOFF PREVIEW
It wasn’t a playoff but it sure felt like it. A near full Fire Pit played host to an epic battle between Perth and Townsville to see out the regular season. And close to 3500 fans were treated to an encore… into overtime it went. Unfortunately for orange faithful the Lynx landed a late three which resigned Townsville to third spot on the ladder, and a lengthy trip across the country for the first semi final clash between the sides.
Fire Coach Shannon Seebohm was disappointed hosts let home court advantage for the series, slip through their fingers after leading for most of the regulation game before slipping up again in the dying stages of overtime, after having looked to have done enough to claim a ninth straight win.
“We took 14 more shots than they did we had 25 offensive rebounds. We were in the drivers seat, we led for 35 minutes of the game, but you know what, credit to them they executed way better than we did they were way more disciplined and they made big plays down the stretch.”
The loss didn’t deflate him like balloon though, given he doesn’t think his side at all not near its best.
“The positive is I don’t think we played well, but obviously we’re going to have to play a lot better going over there for game 1 now to beat them, but if we tidy a few things up I think we do a lot better next time.”
Playing in an army inspired kit Courtney Woods was an inspirational leader. The guard top scored with 27 points, served up 4 assists and collected 7 rebounds. The co-captain was quick to tell her teammates not to dwell on the defeat.
“Obliviously it sucks to lose in overtime but obviously that’s not really the one you want to win, you want to win the one when we go into the semis. We’ll try take a lot of lessons from it but we’re not going to make this the biggest deal in the world obviously we’re going to go to Perth and hopefully turn it around.”
Which is what happened in round 2, when Townsville triumphed in a tight tussle. Whatever the result of the Perth opener, the second semi final will be back at the Fire Pit on Wednesday February 26 . It’ll be a must win game for one team and chance to wrap up the series for the other. Fire General Manager Sam Pascoe knows the best backed club in the WNBL will have even more support, when its required most.
“We have once again had great crowds all season really driving the ladies on the court, but we’re at the business end now and it’s time to turn up the decibels up even more. Tickets go on sale to our members Monday February 17, and to the general public the following day, Tuesday Feb 18. We anticipate they’ll sell fast so don’t delay and make sure you’ll have a seat for what will be unmissable action.
Bring on the playoffs and bring on a bumper turnout in Townsville in 10 days time!
Members priority – 17th February 10am – 2pm
Public Sales – 18th February 1pm online here
