Townsville Flames v Bundaberg Bears – Fri 6:30pm @ Townsville-  The Flames continue their winning streak which has now stretched out to 35 games straight.  What was built up as a tough game for them last week against Rocky, ended with the defending nationals champ’s cruising to victory (83-46).  Cherie Smith is in scintillating form and hit 18pts @ 57%, 3rbs, 2asts in 26 minutes against the Cyclones last weekend.  She leads the Flames in productivity in ’08 averaging 15ppg, 6rpg, 1.5apg after 11 starts.  The Bears, like every other team that has fronted the Flames in the last 2 years, will struggle with the professional approach the team takes to every game and their flawless execution.  The Bears Freeburn capable of 20pts even on a bad day, but she’ll have her work cut out for her in this clash. 

Cairns Dolphins v Bundaberg Bears – Sat 4:15pm @ Cairns-  The Dolphins are an interesting team this year, with a lot hinged on Cox suiting up.  Of the 4 wins they have collected, Cox played in each and was a large contributor to the success of the game.  On the other side of the coin, the team has 3 losses against their name, all of which Cox did not play in.  Couper, Gray and North should be up to the challenge however, with the Bears having a lot of travel in the lead up to this game.  Of the 2 wins that Bundy have collected this year, both have been from away games which is a plus for them, and if they are to be a chance this weekend it is this game they’ll need to throw everything into.

South West Metro Pirates v Caboolture Suns – Sat 6:15pm @ MtGravatt-  Brady notched up a season high last week (21pts, 2rbs, 6asts) and combines well with Parsons who is the queen of double-doubles (obtained from her last 4 games).  The Pirates have struck 2 wins from their last 2 starts and are 1 win off their nearest pool rival, the Gliders.  The Suns managed an easy victory over the Wizards in Round 7 (94-52) with Creet posting her first double-double in ’08, along with a season high score of 23pts, 11rbs, 5asts.  Head-to-head this game is a superb match-up and is lining up as a game which will go down to the wire.  Can Coach Salty’s troops stay on track and claim a ticket to the finals which is currently within reaching distance.

Ipswich Force v Northside Wizards – Sat 6:15pm @ Ipswich-  At only 3 wins off the pace, the season is still wide open for the Force who have come unstuck from their last 4 games.  With only 2 players into double figures last week the team lacked the drive required to win the bigger games (20 of 62 from the field)- Townsville and Logan are regularly putting up 80 to 90 shots a game.  The best effort shown by this team was back in Round 1 (76-48 over the Mountaineers) with the team confident of a win here against a sloppy Wizards squad (40 turnovers against the Suns last week).  Looking at the next month for the Wizards- Maroochy, Rocky, then Mackay, this needs to be a win for the team to retain a fraction of morale leading into the tough back half of the season.

Mackay Meteorettes v Toowoomba Mountaineers – Sat 6:00pm @ Mackay-  The Meteorettes are looking way down the ladder to the Mountaineers and will be anticipating a win here.  Not so soon!  The Mountaineers put up a valiant effort against the Gold Coast last week- near 50% from the field, and are capable of stinging even the most veteran of teams.  The Tape, Price, Roderick combination is one that the Meteorettes will need to be on the lookout for.  However, having only dropped one game in ’08 way back in Round 1 (62-98 to the Flames) and having one of the QABL’s top 5 players onboard (Wilson- averaging 25pts, 6rbs per game) they are looking the goods and tough to beat.  

Brisbane Capitals v Maroochydore Clippers – Sat 6:15pm @ Auchenflower-  The Capitals game was plagued last week with high turnovers (31), high number of personal fouls (28 to the Powers 11) and low percentages from the field (30%).  For the team to defeat the 4^th placed Clippers, things will need to change.  To gauge the outcome of this game on the results of the Power games last week shows that the Capitals have a rough road ahead of them (Capitals lost to the Power 54-70, while the Clippers mowed straight over them 71-41).  The Browne’s continue to get the job done for Coach Page. 

Caboolture Suns v Gladstone Power – Sun 12:15pm @ Caloundra-  A double-header for the Suns and a chance to jump ahead of the Clippers on the ladder and stake their claim on hosting a quarter final.  The Pirates game on Saturday night will be evident on the team’s legs in this game.  Is the Powers season looking brighter after their first win in ’08 last week (70-54 over the Capitals)?  A chance to capitalize on the winning spirit and turn one win into a rejuvenated season.  At an average of 23pts, 11rbs this season, Stevenson is a threat to every team she faces off against.  If the Suns apply to much heat to her, gaps will certainly open up for Just and Wharton to penetrate. 

Gold Coast Gliders v Logan Thunder – Sun 12:15pm @ Southport-  A test for the Gliders up against the unbeaten Thunder.  The team has a better record at home and has the ability dig deep against tougher opponents (61-74 against the Flames in Round 2).  Abbott and Stubbs are a lethal combination and will be a fantastic match-up against Davis, Michael and Haynes for a battle of the big-guns.  This is a chance for the Gliders to inflict a loss on the Thunder if they can get moving early and hit high percentages.  A win here for the Thunder will see them heading north full of confidence next weekend for the highly anticipated clash against the also unbeaten competition frontrunner- the Flames.