Rockhampton Cyclones v Cairns Dolphins, Fri 6:15pm @ Rockhampton-  A huge game for both the Cyclones and Dolphins here, as they both are in contention for finals position number 2 to face the Meteorettes.  The Dolphins currently have the extra win on their record (8 and 8 compared to 7 and 10) and as such will enter this weekend with the upper hand, along with the head-to-head advantage (Dolphins won 100-90 in Round 7 against the Cyclones). The Dolphins stole a 2pt win over the Clippers last week (86-84) as a positive sign heading into a weekend that could see them progress or pack up here.  The Cyclones must get an 11pt+ win to even be a chance at Quarter Finals. 

Bundaberg Bears v Northside Wizards, Sat 5:15pm @ Bundaberg-  The Bears powered through their triple-header weekend in Round 15 with only 1 of 3 with the win coming from their third game of the trip over the Capitals- 68-55.  The team is currently 13^th in the competition with the result here unfortunately not allowing them to jump any higher on the ladder.  The last time these 2 met, the Bears won 75-63 in Round 5.  Since then the Wizards have managed a single win over the Mountaineers (78-65 in Round 13) but have produced strong off the cuff efforts as displayed in Rocky mid-season where they threw down 45% from the field.  Wizards will collect the wooden spoon for the year even with a win here. 

Logan Thunder v Brisbane Capitals, Sat 5:15pm @ Logan-  This game doesn’t stand to be a huge hurdle for the Thunder, but with a lot at stake (the right to host a Quarter Final) anxiety levels may be high which could affect performance.  A win here automatically see’s them as hosts for the first round of finals, as they have a clear head-to-head advantage over the Gliders.  With the Pirates still in the mix, a loss here for the Thunder won’t see them bow out of finals action, but may affect who it is they play.  The Capitals will thrust everything onto the floor in attempt to see the season out on a high.  When the current form of Davis, Michael and Haynes is factored in, this one is looking like a one-way affair. 

Toowoomba Mountaineers v Maroochydore Clippers, Sat 5:15pm @ Toowoomba-  The Mountaineers season will finish here while things are only just starting to heat up for the Clippers.  The Clippers have the luxury of already being guaranteed the hosting rights to a Quarter Final and will face the Suns, who they have split their games with this year.  The Mountaineers made a great addition to the team in Price this season- she has remained tough all year, gaining recognition twice as Player of the Week, despite the teams ability to manage only 3 wins in ’08.  The team will round out the year in 12^th position overall and will be looking for an upset over the Clippers to finish the year on a positive note. 

Caboolture Suns v Ipswich Force, Sat 6:15pm @ Caloundra-  The Suns need to approach this game as though it’s their last- 100% for the full 40 minutes, to prepare themselves for the wrath of a Clippers Quarter Final.  The Force picked up a little momentum last week, with Foran taking a high score for the season (22pts, 9rbs, 4asts) in the teams win over the Bears (83-65).  The team shot at 44% from the field and will need to hit at least this to withstand the Suns.  The Suns rested last weekend and with the team already scheduled for a Quarter Final, it will take quite an effort to slow them down.  Brusche and Walk need to step up to buck the team from their current 3-game losing streak however- not the type of record any team wants heading into the business end of the season. 

Gladstone Power v Cairns Dolphins, Sat 6:15pm @ Gladstone-  A must win for the Dolphins to have them sign on the dotted line and travel to Mackay next weekend for a shot at the title.  Back in Round 10, the Dolphins collected a 71-66 win over the Power.  The Power enjoyed the Round 15 bye and despite being in 14^th position with only 2 wins on the table in ’08, they are aware that more then one team has kept the Dolphins shooters struggling to get into double-figures throughout the season.  This is the Dolphins second game of the weekend and they’ll have to keep their games faces on as the Power will be keen to dump their current 5-game loosing streak, to hit the dressing rooms for the final time in ’08 talking about a win. 

Mackay Meteorettes v Townsville Flames, Sat 6:00pm @ Mackay-  The Flames won the season opener against the Meteorettes (98-62).  Since then the Meteorettes have fluctuated through both wins and a small number of losses, but have managed to sail onto hosting a Quarter Final with ease.  This game will be a great test for them and yet another Round 16 game that could be replayed in the upcoming finals series.  Flames still running on a full tank with Player of the Week Smith ready to explode onto the finals scene, so look out for the team to press hard from the first minute and not ease off until they’re back in the changerooms.  Wilson to face her former QABL team mates will be interesting, as the Flames have their eyes on the prize and have not taken no for an answer in ’08 as yet.

Gold Coast Gliders v South West Metro Pirates, Sat 6:15pm @ Tallebudgera-  The Pirates have the advantage here with a win so far over the Gliders - 76-62 in Round 6.  This game is a chance for either team to progress in the competition, but a loss for the Pirates see’s the quickly bow out of what has been a dream-ride season for the team.  Both teams are finals worthy but unfortunately only one will continue after tonight.  Gliders bring a solid win over the Meteorettes to the table (85-81) while the Pirates lost to the Thunder last week (72-57) to bring an end to their 12-game winning streak. There is no more dramatic way for a season to end for any team than a final regular season showdown with their main enemy.  Bring it on!!!