Darwin Salties Women suffer defeat against Townsville at home

The Darwin Salties Women’s season is on life support, with the hopes of the postseason fading as their counterparts continue to fly high. Catch up on the latest Salties action.

The Darwin Salties Women’s season is on life support after their Round 13 defeat has put them on the cusp of elimination.

Desperately needing a victory to keep some breathing room between themselves and the rest of the pack, the side were outplayed by a very strong Townsville Flames.

Without their captain and starter Ruby Porter following a concussion suffered during the week, the side were already on the back foot.

Stepping up in her absence, Courtney Woods took the mantle of captain and led from the front, trying to drag her teammates to victory.

Neither side were able to land any blows in the first, leaving the score a lowly 12-18 in favour of the visitors.

Courtney Woods was the one shining light in the Women's loss to Townsville. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

The second term was much of the same, both sides struggling to connect on the offensive end.

The Salties, more particularly Woods, was being contained very well, double-teamed by the Flames’ defence each and every look she got.

The women in orange to their credit also played some impressive defence leaving the score 22-30 at the half.

After allowing two early points, Townsville went on a roll, sinking the next nine, forcing Salties coach Rod Tremlett to call a time-out.

Visibly frustrated, the Salties began forcing the plays, leading to offensive turnovers and Townsville to continue their offensive onslaught.

Floundering offensively, Darwin went into the last 10 down by 17 points.

The deficit eventually blew out to 25 with a bit over six minutes on the clock, by which point Townsville took their foot off the gas and started to lock down the game, winning 68-52.

Woods finished the game as the only player in the side to surpass double digits, putting up 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal in 37 minutes.

Now with a record of 8-8, the side sit precariously in seventh place.

If the side has any chance of playing finals, they must defeat sixth placed South West Metro Pirates and have other results go in their favour next weekend.

Verle Williams (left) and Deba Williams. Picture: Jack Riddiford.

Unlike the women, the men came out of the round with another victory, pushing their campaign to 12-4, retaining second place on the ladder for another week.

Up against the Heat who came into the contest dead last, the Salties took the liberty of resting three-time NBL champion Wani Swaka Lo Buluk.

The home side came out guns blazing in the first term, putting up 25 points, and restricted their opponents to 18.

The second was a bit more of a back and forth as Townsville scrambled in their defensive efforts, keeping the Salties to 22, putting up 23 of their own.

This ensuing quarter would be the best of the Salties of the night, as they started to sink their shots and found some rhythm, taking the score to 79-56.

The home side would stretch the margin to 28 points with six left, leading coach Matt Flinn to sub off his main men and give his bench crew some minutes.

Townsville would finish the period with 28, their most in the contest, but the deficit was too great, with the full-time score reading 100-82 for the Salties.

Makuach Maluach was the Salties’ standout performer of the night, stepping up in the absence of Lo Buluk.

Maluach finished with a game high 24 points, as well as nine rebounds, one assist, two steals, two blocks, and went 5/7 from three in his 33 minute spell.

Deba George was a highlight machine yet again, putting together another age-defying performance, ending the night with 15 points, three rebounds, five assists, one steal, and went 3/8 from three for a plus 30 contribution.

Sean Macdonald and Chier Maker also stood tall with 19 points a piece and Verle Williams was an energiser bunny off the bench, injecting his speed and slight of hand when on court.

The men will face up against 11th placed South West Metro Pirates in their final regular season match this Saturday.

NBL champ returns to bolster Darwin Salties home final push

The 2024 NBL most improved player Sean Macdonald is back in the Darwin Salties squad for their must win clash against the Townsville Heat.

The second placed Salties will secure their first ever home final if they win against their last placed opposition in front of their home fans at the Croc Pot.

Darwin were close-run losers to top side Mackay last time out, with the likes of Deba George and Chier Maker bringing the heat for the occasion.

The side were missing Macdonald and Kout Noi, who is now on Olympic duty, at the time, but hope with the former’s return they can make an impression.

Sean MacDonald has returned to the Darwin Salties for the 2024 NBL1 North season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I’m excited to get back into things after a nice break, feeling refreshed and ready to go,” Macdonald said.

“We’ve had a good week at practice and feeling confident going into the game this weekend.”

Meanwhile, the women are in another do or die clash against the Townsville Flames, with a win here needed to keep their finals hopes alive.

Courtney Woods made a massive impact on her return to the squad against Mackay last round, and will be needed to turn it up again against a side she has plenty of knowledge of.

The women will take to the court at 6pm, with the men following from 8pm at the Ventia Darwin Basketball Stadium.

Originally published as Darwin Salties Women suffer defeat against Townsville at home