Power snuffed out by Cyclones
BEC Haynes did her best to blow out the Rockhampton Cyclones, but couldn’t stop a 104-81 victory for the Port City Power’s arch rival.
Last year’s dominant player in the QBL grand final, Haynes was in everything on Saturday night at a packed-out Hegvold Stadium except the winning team.
Her 42 points and 20 rebounds were made more impressive by the five three-pointers she landed, which showed just how versatile she can be on court.
In the absence of captain coach Jess Bibby, Haynes really stepped it up and it’s not surprising given her history with the Power of racking up big numbers.
The Power were also without the tenacious Hannah Bowley and the league’s premier point guard, Nat Hurst, who had coaching duties from the sidelines.
A 12-point lead at the first break was extended to 26 at the main one, as the Cyclones stormed to 56-30, their first two quarters split 28 apiece.
For the Power, Diana Neves hit 21 points and pulled down seven boards, while Amanda Beatson was solid with nine rebounds and as many points is enjoying a better year all-round with the club.
Hurst said the game was done at 26-6 and once the team settled
“I think the girls were a bit nervous without having Jess, Hannah and myself not out there, but once they got over the nerves, they played really well and toughed it out,” Hurst said.
“They showed a lot of heart and I was really happy with how they played for the last 30 minutes of the game.”
Haynes’ performance gained praise from Hurst, who’s seen it all before from the popular forward.
“She (Haynes) picked the team up and carried it on her shoulders, so she should be really produ of what she did,” Hurst said.
The Cyclones, who farewelled WNBL import Tegan Cunningham during the week, didn’t seem flustered by the loss and dismantled the Power in the first half.
Nicole Romeo with 26 points, Katrina Clifford with 22 and Louella Tomlinson 18 did the damage for the Cyclones offensively.
The Power welcome back Nat Hurst to the court this weekend against Northside, the team they defeated in last year’s grand final.
QBL Women's result
Port City Power 81 Rockhampton Cyclones 104
Bec Haynes 42 points, including 5 three-pointers, 20 rebounds, 5 assists, Diana Neves 21 pts, 7 rebs, 7 assists, Amanda Beatson 9 pts, 9 rebs.
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