Confident Adelaide Lightning can leapfrog Boomers on WNBL table as Melbourne’s injury woes continue

INITIALLY expected to go through the WNBL season without a win, Adelaide can move up to seventh by beating Melbourne here on Friday.

Melbourne Boomers v SE QLD Stars at Wantirna South State Basketball Centre. Melbourne's player and captain Tess Madgen takes control of the ball over Star's player Amy Lewis Picture: Janine Eastgate

ADELAIDE Lightning can leapfrog Melbourne Boomers on the WNBL table with a win on Friday at The Lighthouse, the visitors potentially down three key players.

But it’s not just the Boomers’ woes opening the door for Adelaide but the Lightning’s growing confidence after belting the Rangers in Dandenong, before running out of steam against the league-leading Lynx in Perth.

Adelaide pummelled Dandenong 47-26 on the boards, Mikaela Ruef leading the rebounding with 14 but Kayla Standish and Kelly Bowen also snaring 10 apiece.

“For us it was the effort areas — 22 O (offensive) boards to four — for me showed we did those extra things,” Lightning coach Tracy York said.

The 77-63 rout took Adelaide’s win-loss record to 6-11, which dropped to 6-12 with the reversal in Perth.

Melbourne on Monday hosted the same Dandenong team and was beaten 72-67.

South Australian star Tess Madgen, who had to be replaced in the Opals’ touring team at the Rio test event earlier this month due to an ankle injury, remains sidelined.

She missed the loss, as did centre Elyse Penaluna who is out with a knee injury.

The Boomers already have been negotiating this season without point guard Bec Cole (ACL), then on Sunday suffered yet another setback when 175cm guard Brittany Smart injured a hamstring at a training session.

Madgen and Penaluna are unlikely to suit on Friday and Smart is highly doubtful now too after missing the loss to Dandenong.

Melbourne is in seventh place with a 7-12 win-loss record.

An Adelaide win would take it to 7-12 and drop Melbourne to 7-13, moving the Lightning up the table.

Tip-off on Friday is 7.30pm at The Lighthouse, Wayville Sports Centre.

Originally published as Confident Adelaide Lightning can leapfrog Boomers on WNBL table as Melbourne’s injury woes continue