NBL1 Women Round 2 vs Southern Tigers
The Paradise Hotel Norwood Flames Women (0 – 1) take on the Southern Tigers (1 – 0) in round 2 of the NBL1 Central season. After a heartbreaking 5-point loss to the Woodville Warriors the Flames are looking to snag their first win of the season. Amy Cotton was a standout in round 1 and as a new signing has provided some excitement for Norwood fans as they wonder what the season will hold. Meanwhile, the Southern Tigers demolished the Central Districts Lions, coming away with a 22-point victory thanks to strong offensive performances from Mollie McKendrick and Holly Forbes who combined for 54 points. The Flames will need to shut them down if they want to get a win tonight.
A big block from Cali Clark denied Southern on their first possession, followed by some patient offence as Cali assisted Caitlin Shillabeer to open scoring. The Flames were hot to start and opened the lead out to 9-0 before Southern responded with a triple. Some back and forth ensued with both teams leaking out in semi-trans for easy points. The lack of defensive intensity and ball security from Norwood allowed Southern to reduce the lead back to 2, forcing a timeout from Norwood Head Coach Matt Hunt. The defence of the Flames picked up out of the timeout forcing an extended scoring drought from the Tigers. The Flames were very meticulous offensively, taking their time, attacking mismatches and forcing Southern into disadvantages before attacking. This offensive approach was very consistent throughout the first despite some turnover issues, with Norwood coming out of the first up 20 – 15.
Holly Forbes and Caitlin Shillabeer traded baskets to start the 2nd quarter. The Flames have done a good job shutting down the Tigers stars but need to ensure their defensive focus is maintained across the whole game. Dara Mabrey has been a star for the Flames, especially from the mid-range early in this one, using her handle off screens to get to her spots and create space for jumpers. Offence was easy to come by early for Norwood starting the quarter with a 9-3 run before Southern again answered with a contested triple. Southern was starting to heat up from 3 draining another couple 3’s, the scoring from Mabrey keeping Norwood ahead by a slim margin, as she ended the half with 16 points. A small cold stretch from Norwood didn’t affect them much as their brilliant defence kept Southern off the scoreboard until they regained their offensive feel. When Norwood’s offence returned, they were able to extend their lead again, 42 – 35 at the end of the half.
Amy Cotton hit a very nice post-fade to open scoring in the 3rd a following and-1 gave Amy the first 5 points of the quarter for the Flames. Norwood’s interior presence with Cali Clark and Amy Cotton was an integral part of the Flames offence, the defence had to overreact to those two inside allowing the guards to attack from the perimeter. The elite play on both ends gave the Flames their largest lead of the game so far, the lead extending to 12 on an and-1 from Cali Clark. Despite trailing Southern’s shooting ability allowed them to remain within striking distance, a triple and an and-1 play bringing the Norwood lead down to 8. Dara Mabrey responded with a steal and a score taking her points total to 20 and regaining a double-digit advantage for the Flames. The Tigers didn’t let this face them as they continued to play hard on both ends, forcing Norwood to rush into mistakes. A timeout was called as Norwood’s lead shrunk to 6. Out of the timeout Norwood was able to regain control of the pace of the game, regaining their composure and momentum. A buzzer beating shot from Amy Cotton gave the Flames an 11-point lead going into the 4th 64 – 53.
A deep triple from Sophie Rogers brought Southern back to within 8 to start the final period sparking some life in the Tigers. Maddy Hinton came alive for the Flames, scoring 7 quick points extending the Flames lead to 13. Despite this the Tigers were not going away as they hit another timely triple to remain in striking distance. Amy Cotton continued her brilliant play from the third scoring 4 quick points, increasing her scoring to 12 in the half and securing multiple stops for the Flames. The momentum was all Flames to end the game, Southern struggling to find any offensive rhythm whist Norwood was able to consistently find great looks and opportunities. A great game from the Flames to get their first win of the season 79 – 68.
