news

THE Stirling Senators roared home coming back from a 17-point deficit to beat the Mandurah Magic to close Round 17 of the Women’s SBL on Sunday to strengthen their playoff credentials.

It was the final game of Round 17 played at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Sunday with the Mandurah Magic looking to have the win secure leading by 17 points left to go in the game.

But the Stirling Senators went on a stunning 28-7 run from there to end up prevailing in remarkable fashion 81-77 in a game that meant plenty for both teams.

That was the conclusion to a Round 17 that began on Friday night with the Willetton Tigers beating the Cockburn Cougars 83-54, Lakeside Lightning defeating the South West Slammers 92-68 and the Stirling Senators downing the Rockingham Flames 72-69.

There were another three matches on Saturday evening with the Perth Redbacks beating the South West Slammers 71-52, the Mandurah Magic defeating the East Perth Eagles 89-74 and the Perry Lakes Hawks downing the Kalamunda Eastern Suns 84-79.

SATURDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SBL RECAP – WEEK 17 
FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN’S SBL RECAP – WEEK 17 
WOMEN’S SBL PREVIEW – WEEK 17 
SLAMMERS COACH CONFIDENT OF WOMEN’S PLAYOFF BERTH 

The Magic and Senators are two teams locked in battles for positions in the lower part of the top eight setting the scene for an important battle in Mandurah on Sunday.

The Magic had ended their five-game losing slide beating East Perth on Saturday night with the Senators also doing well to beat Rockingham on Friday.

Mandurah then came out and started well on Sunday leading 18-9 by quarter-time but Stirling responded in the second quarter to cut the Magic lead to 36-34 at half-time.

The Magic did take control in the third quarter, though, and when Emma Klasztorny nailed a jumper with just over eight minutes in the fourth quarter remaining, they led 68-51 and looked to have the game won.

Nobody told the Senators though.

Their stunning fight back started with a Jasmine Martin three before Hannah Throns converted a three-point play. Casey Mihovilovich hit a steadier for Mandurah but by the time Emma Berryman hit a triple with four minutes left, the margin was back to eight.

A three from Hannah Throns then made the margin soon after and then Rebekah Throns joined in on the act with a triple of her own with 1:22 remaining to make it a two-point ball game.

Nicole Jorre de St Jorre then levelled scores and the Senators secured the remarkable come from behind win on the back of free throws from Martin and Berryman.

The win improves the Senators to a 9-11 record too while the Magic slip to 8-10.

Seven Stirling players ended up scoring in double-figures on the afternoon with Amber Land top-scoring with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Nicole Jorre de St Jorre added 12 points and three rebounds, Hannah Throns 11 points, four boards and three assists, Jasmine Martin 10 points and three steals, Janee Johnson 10 points and eight rebounds, Emma Berryman 10 points and Rebekah Throns 10 points and four boards.

Anita Brown ended up with 26 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists for Mandurah with Regina Palusna adding 22 points, 10 boards, four assists and three blocked shots.

Casey Mihovilovich also had 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in her second game back from injury while Emma Klasztorny contributed seven points and 10 boards.

WEEK 17 WOMEN’S SBL FIXTURES
FRIDAY
Willetton Tigers 83 defeated Cockburn Cougars 54
Lakeside Lightning 92 defeated South West Slammers 68
Stirling Senators 72 defeated Rockingham Flames 69

SATURDAY
South West Slammers 52 lost to Perth Redbacks 71
East Perth Eagles 74 lost to Mandurah Magic 89
Perry Lakes Hawks 84 defeated Kalamunda Eastern Suns 79

SUNDAY
Mandurah Magic 77 lost to Stirling Senators 81