Country Basketball League live stream: Plenty riding on Albury v Wodonga women’s derby clash

Wodonga’s narrow Country Basketball League women’s victory over Albury was worth much more than local bragging rights - it could well have dramatic finals consequences. Relive the action.

Wodonga survived a huge late scare before securing a victory over arch rivals Albury that could yet have dramatic finals consequences.

The Lady Wolves seemed to be cruising to victory before the Cougars scored back-to-back baskets with just seconds left to make life very interesting.

They actually drew to within two points before Wodonga countered with a basket of their own to win 60-56.

The defeat may cost the Cougars dearly in more ways than one. Not only has Wodonga got the local bragging rights but Albury must wait to find out whether they will host a finals game at home next week.

Albury v Wodonga (Men - Round 16)

Earlier, the finals may have been out of the question, but it didn’t stop Albury’s men from securing a comfortable win over Wodonga in their last match of the CBL season.

The Cougars will finish outside the top four in the North East division but ensured they finished their season in style with a 85-63 victory.

The defeat ensured Wodonga were rooted to the bottom of the table with just two wins.

PREVIEW

A Country Basketball League grand final preview could be on the cards this weekend.

Local rivals Albury and Wodonga are set for a women’s battle royale in the final round of the north east conference season, with both teams currently occupying the top two spots on the ladder.

Saturday’s game will be livestreamed as the second game of a big double-header on KommunityTV from 4pm at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. The men’s game between the same two sides kicks off the afternoon from 2pm.

The women’s game, arguably, has more meaning for Albury who are still looking to secure a home final for next weekend.

Wodonga has already locked away the minor premiership while the Cougars have Seymour breathing down their neck in third place with the same 7-3 record.

It's a big game before the finals

In the previous meeting between the two sides, the Lady Wolves prevailed by 18 points way back in round 6 – which took place in early November.

Both sides have players capable of taking the game away from their opposition headlined by Lady Wolves’ star Rachel Jeffery, who is the competition’s second leading scorer this season.

Jeffery is averaging just over 20 points per game and has failed to reach double figures on just one occasion.

Stacey Browne is also expected to play a key role for the visitors with her tremendous ability on both sides of the ball.

Meanwhile, Jade McCowan shapes as a potential match winner for the Cougars.

Limited to just six games this season, McGowan has scored 133 points across those appearances and has shown a fantastic ability to hit shots from deep.

In the men’s game, both teams will be battling for local pride.

With the top-four already set, fifth-place Albury will be looking to end its season on a high against a Wolves side which has won just two games this season.

Albury won the previous meeting by 46 points.

Wodonga’s Brock Thompson and Albury’s Jack Duck look set to play out an exciting battle as their team’s leading scorers.