Women’s National Basketball League: Melbourne Boomers bow out to Adelaide Lightning

The Melbourne Boomers bowed out of the Women’s National Basketball League finals race after losing their best-of-three semi-final series 2-0 to the Adelaide Lightning last week.

The Melbourne Boomers bowed out of the Women’s National Basketball League finals race after losing their best-of-three semi-final series 2-0 to the Adelaide Lightning last week.

After a 76-60 loss to the Lightning at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna last Sunday night, the Boomers travelled to Adelaide on Thursday needing a win to keep the series alive.

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Melbourne Boomers import Lindsay Allen did her best to keep the Boomers in the race. Pic: Lawrence Pinder

But, in front of a vocal South Australian crowd, the Boomers went down 100-92 and their season came to an end.

American import Lindsay Allen once again led the Boomers, finishing with 29 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Cayla George was also outstanding, logging 24 points and nine rebounds before fouling out in the final quarter.

The Boomers overcame a 12-point deficit during the first half, edging to a 48-47 lead at the half.

The Lightning started the third quarter with a 9-0 run and, with momentum swinging their way, went on to book their place in the season decider against the University of Canberra Capitals.

Boomers coach Guy Molloy said his side was left with too much to do after losing game one in Melbourne.

Adelaide Lightning’s Nia Coffey was a thorn in the Boomers’ side. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“It was just difficult to kind of stop the interior scores and the foul trouble was mounting,” he said. “After Cayla we go very, very young with our posts and when you are playing against two WNBA players the constant threat of interior scores makes things difficult.”

Though hurting, Allen said the Boomers had made good strides this season and would bounce back.

“It’s really tough but I don’t think it takes away from what we did as a team this season,” she said.

“They were getting really good position inside and they are two great players, Kayla (Alexander) and Nia (Coffey). Their guards were making great passes as well. We just didn’t have an answer.”

In game one, Ezi Magbegor topscored with 14 points while Allen had 12 and George pulled down a dozen rebounds.

Adelaide Lightning celebrates its semi-final win. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe