It's going to be big battle between the star imports from the Mercury and the Storm, "Ms Double Double" (right) vs "Big Benz" (left) - Photo by Adelaide Lightning
Southside Flyers vs Adelaide Lightning
- Game 1: 7:30pm (AEDT), Tuesday 18 February, Dandenong Stadium
- Game 2: 7:00pm (AEDT), Saturday 22 February, Titanium Security Arena (The Lighthouse)
- *Game 3: 6:30pm (AEDT), Wednesday 26 February, Dandenong Stadium
- Broadcast: Foxtel/Kayo
Last times they’ve met:
25/01/2020: Southside Flyers 81 (Cole 28, Mitchell 21, Russell 15, Blicavs 13) defeated Adelaide Lightning 69 (Turner 20, Talbot, Seekamp 16) at Dandenong Stadium
STRIKE BACK INTO HISTORY
2007/2008 Preliminary Final: Link Lightning shoot down “power” Rangers in prelim
The top of the table Adelaide Link Lightning after being upset by the Sydney Uni Flames were hungry for redemption at their home of the Distinctive Homes Dome and it came in the form of a surprise packet in the Southside Flyers former identity, the Dandenong Rangers.
The Rangers would not be an easy task with an evenly spread contribution and a game plan built for finals led by WNBL defensive player of the year Emily McInerny. It was the home crowd and a “powerhouse” performance from leading Lightning ppg Renae Camino, rebound machine Tracy Gahan and the duo combo of Angela Marino and Jess Foley that saw the Lightning into its first Grand Final since 1999/2000 after missing the past two previous seasons by back-to-back heart breakers including one in overtime to the Canberra Capitals.
Key Match-Ups
Steph Talbot vs. Rebecca Cole
This game has so many key match-ups in the guard positions but with many of those breaking even it comes down to controlling the small forward/guard position on the floor and two huge game-breakers are Talbot and Cole. Talbot averages 16 ppg against the Flyers along with 8.3 rpg as well as being a defensive presence on the perimeter. The Lightning “Ms Fix-It” help defence will be most required to minimise the Flyers average of 33 percent from the triple against their team this season.
Leading the way in those categories is FIBA 3X3 star Rebecca Cole. Cole has averaged 21 ppg and 8.6 rpg in three games against the Lightning this season. The young superstar averages 29 percent from the perimeter for her career and will need to avoid the outstretched extra 10 cm of length that Talbot brings to that match-up.
Brianna Turner vs. Mercedes Russell
“Ms Double Double” vs the “Big Benz” is the import duo worth your money to watch as it is no doubt going to be a post party for both players.
As we know “Breezy” has been a star in the post for the Lightning this season but her battles with Russell have ebbed and flowed averaging 15 ppg and 8.3 rpg this season against the Flyers. While she gives up 8cm to her import opponent, if the WNBA Phoenix Mercury forward is switched on for her box-outs and physical play, Turner is going to cause Russell plenty of problems including in transition off those rip and go rebounds.
The “Big Benz” has been a beast for the Flyers this season and has enjoyed her games against the Lightning. The WNBA Seattle Storm player averages 22.3 ppg and 11ppg against them this season and sets-up much of the Flyers “flying” transition offence to their guards through her work on the glass at the defensive ends. The Lightning must find a way to disrupt and make her sit on the pine early to force the bench of Southside to play multiple minutes as the Lightning’s backup is significantly stronger in this area statistically.
Kathryn Westbeld vs Sarah Blicavs
The Lightning’s other import has been a steady influence this season against Southside and with a raft of Stars for the other side, Westbeld must step-up yet again if the Lightning are to cause a semi-final upset. Westbeld averages 13 ppg one of their highest averages against any team she’s played this season so if she clocks that along with some key assists to get her guards Lauren Nicholson and Nicole Seekamp involved, it will go a long way to evening the contest.
One of many Flyers players standing in Westbeld’s way includes Sara Blicavs. The Melbourne Tigers junior has had a dominant year against this side accumulating 17ppg and 8.6 rpg. Westbeld will need to be on her game defensively and work in tandem with Talbot and Turner to turn the defensive glass dial in the Lightning’s favour.
The Last Play
The week off you feel would’ve benefited the Lightning with a race against the clock for skipper Seekamp to be fit and looks like in the nick of time she’ll be ready to go tomorrow. With back to back finals appearances the Lightning appear to once again be very much the underdog behind all the other teams however they have caused one of the four flyer losses this season and with one crucial piece in Jenna O’Hea gone for the season with a nasty wrist injury, the match-up evens up significantly.
With a bench that only averages 2.9 ppg, some work off the ball and getting Russell, Blicavs and Cole into pick and roll situations with Lightning’s swift ball movement could force their coach’s hand in Cheryl Chambers to the pine and that opens the door wide for the Lightning to strike.
I think the first game will go the way of the Flyers on their home court but master tactician Chris Lucas will figure out some keys for the next few games. With that in mind if the Lightning can force this to a three game series by winning their home fixture Saturday night, the longer this series goes, the more of a dark horse for the Championship Adelaide becomes and that folks is something with a town hungry for sports success title wise is worth your money, time and support for this Saturday night and hopefully beyond.
Game One: Flyers by 5pts
Game Two: Lightning by 4pts
Game Three: Lightning by 3pts in Overtime
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 