THE Boomers play host to the Fire at home, the Capitals will be hoping for a big percentage-boosting win agianst Dandenong and could the Flames finally secure their first win against Bendigo? The round has already gotten off to a fabulous start with a Tess Madgen three to seal a Townsville win over the Lightning.

Melbourne Boomers vs Townsville Fire

Sunday, 1pm at State Basketball Centre

Key match-ups:

Cayla George v Suzy Batkovic

The match-up between George and Batovic in this week’s clash will be interesting to watch. Batkovic is the leading goal scorer in the league with an average of 20.43 points a game, while George is finding some impressive form in the paint. Batkovic will have to figure out a way to get past George’s agile leap and accurate shooting if she wants to maintain her 20.43 average.

Season so far: The Melbourne Boomers have had a relatively strong season so far, only suffering three loses. They have a strong dynamic, and after having a mixture of both close and not so close games, the Boomers will be ready for anything. The Townsville Fire will be looking to improve their ratio and hopefully get higher up on this season’s ladder, currently sitting in sixth position. From suffering more loses than wins, the Fire will be hoping for at least a close game with the second team on the ladder.

The game: The Boomers will be coming out strong and determined to maintain their position on the ladder. But the Fire will be working hard to try and improve their ranking, if they want a chance at finals this season.

UC Capitals vs Dandenong Rangers

Sunday, 2pm at National Convention Centre

Key match-ups:

Kelsey Griffin v Rachel Jarry

Griffin plays a key role for the Capitals both up and down the defensive and offensive ends. She is always able to position herself well to get the rebound and either put it back up or prevent the opposition from scoring. Griffin is leading the rebound average for the league, and will need to be blocked out if the Rangers want any chance of getting the rebounds from missed shots. Jarry on the other hand, is strong up the offensive end, drawing fouls, and successfully shooting 100% from the free throw line.

Season so far: The Capitals have had nothing but close games in this season so far. Their most recent win against the Sydney Uni Flames was by five points, proving that the Capitals aren’t ready to give up a game without a fight. The Rangers too have had their fair share of close losses, but have also been prone to a smacking, giving each team an even chance at victory.

The game: The Capitals are leading the ranks for players with the most rebounds, assists, and steals per game, and are strong contenders for this match. It would be great to see the Rangers get a win, but the Capitals have a strong momentum.

Sydney Uni Flames vs Bendigo Spirit

Sunday, 2:45pm at Qudos Bank Arena

Key match-ups:

Belinda Snell v Rebecca Tobin

Snell was one of the key players in last week’s game against Bendigo, and will need to be shut down early on if the Spirit wish to secure another win against the Flames. Tobin is currently sitting at an average of 8.5 rebounds per game, and plays a key role for Bendigo, which makes her a threat for the Flames if she isn’t blocked out of the key area. Tobin will need to watch her carefully in order to make it two from two for the Spirit against the Flames so far this season.

Season so far: The Sydney Uni Flames have had a rough start to the season, as they still haven’t been able to secure their first win. Their biggest loss of the season was against Melbourne Boomers, with a margin of 27 points. The Bendigo Spirit on the other hand, have had five victories and only three loses in the season thus far, with one loss being to the Dandenong Rangers, a team that is floating down the bottom of the ladder.

The game: Both teams are in with a chance this week. After last week’s game, the Flames will be coming into the game with fire and determination to redeem themselves and hopefully get a win next to their name on the ladder.