Lack of Magic in big Stirling win (round two women's wrap)

Stirling Senators caused the biggest upset of round two of the women's State Basketball League, thrashing Mandurah Magic 67-48.

The Senators started the season with a heavy loss to Willetton and were widely tipped to struggle throughout the campaign after the departure of WNBL forward Michelle Joy and other key players, but stunned perennial finalists Mandurah with the huge win.

Stirling dominated the early contest with a 23-9 first quarter and confirmed the victory, which came largely thanks to Lauren Jeffers' 22 points, with a 21-6 final period.

The Magic, who are still yet to win this season, were plagued by an incredible 38 turnovers, with Shelley Boston (nine points and 19 rebounds) one of few players to provide much resistance.

Wanneroo Wolves finished the round at the top of the table after a pair of impressive victories improved their record to 4-0.

The Wolves thrashed winless Rockingham 78-51 on Friday on the back of Nikita Martin's 17 points before holding off a spirited Perth Redbacks comeback in a 60-56 triumph on Sunday.

That loss was Perth's first of the new campaign, as it comprehensively beat Perry Lakes Hawks 57-43 on Saturday thanks to Marita Payne's 12 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks.

The Hawks did finish the round with a 2-1 record though as they triumphed comfortably over East Perth 65-39 in a game where the Eagles didn't score more than 12 points in any of the quarters.

South West Slammers ensured it was a rough weekend all round for East Perth, with their 67-55 triumph leaving last year's runner-up bottom of the league with a 0-3 record.

The Slammers, winners of just two games last year and one in 2010, showed their potential to improve significantly as new import Valerie Ogoke led them to the convincing win with 22 points.

Lakeside Lightning continued their impressive start to the campaign in a 75-64 win over Kalamunda which left the Eastern Suns winless from three games.

Courtney Byrnes had 21 points to lead Lakeside to its third consecutive win, while Lizel Buckley finished with seven points and 10 rebounds for the otherwise disappointing Suns.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)

Follow the SBL on Facebook




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Create A Team App Account.

Stack Team App is a platform that allows teams and social groups to improve communication by creating their own smartphone app.

Create A Team/Club