WNBL finals: Lightning, Capitals into championship decider

The Adelaide Lightning have qualified for the WNBL grand final after claiming a semi-final series win over the Melbourne Boomers.

Adelaide Lightning’s Nia Coffey rushes towards the basket. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe.

The Adelaide Lightning have qualified for the WNBL grand final after claiming a 100-92 win over the Melbourne Boomers.

Forward Nia Coffey dominated under the basket with 30 points and nine rebounds as the Lightning completed a 2-0 semi-final sweep last night at Titanium Security Arena in Adelaide.

The Lightning backed up Sunday’s 16-point win in Melbourne with another impressive showing to reach the championship round for the first time since 2008.

The victory continues a fairytale run for the Lightning after climbing back from seventh spot midway through the season with the threat of extinction hanging over the club.

“It feels amazing,” Coffey told Fox Sports after leading Adelaide to a grand final berth.

“It was rocky at the beginning but I love these girls. We never let it get to us, we stayed on course and we play together — that’s why we’re here today.”

Guard Lauren Nicholson (23) and centre Kayla Alexander (20) provided valuable support while captain Nicole Seekamp added nine points and 12 assists.

Adelaide jumped the visitors at the start of every quarter and while Lindsay Allen (29 points) and Cayla George (24 points, nine rebounds) kept the Boomers in touch for most of the night, the home side would not be denied in the final quarter.

The Lightning will meet UC Capitals in the grand final after the Captails beat Perth Linx last night to also claim a 2-0 semi-final sweep.