Grand Final Game Previews - MEN & WOMEN
Rockhampton Rockets v Townsville Heat, Sunday 1:45pm @ Rockhampton- The Rockets have been the favourite for this State title most of the year, which will continue into this game. The teams split their games in ‘08, with the Rockets taking their Round 4 game (99-71), while the Heat bounced back in Round 7 with a 116-96 win. Superior shooting from the Rockets (51% from the field) in their Semi-Final win over the Capitals, will have the Heat nervous for today’s Grand Final. However, the Rockets played the later Semi-Final with the core 5 (Martin, Weigh, Dumbliauskas, Thompson, McDade) carrying the majority of the workload and minutes. These key players will be affected by this, when compared to the Heat who had 11 players share the Semi-Final court time with an extra few hours rest on their legs. It will be a packed house that will enjoy the 48 minutes of Grand Final basketball in Rockhampton, with hopes of a Townsville-bound title resting on the shoulders of the Cedar brothers and Goodwin who will prove the offensive strength. The winner of this game not only collects the ‘Warren Berginey Cup’ but also moves onto the National finals where they will face the Sutherland Sharks (Winner of the Waratah League) in NSW next weekend. Watch all the action live at www.stage.net.au (then click on Rockets webcast).
Townsville Flames v South West Metro Pirates, Sunday 12:00pm @ Townsville- Of the only time these two teams met in 2008, the Flames walked away with a 79-51 win. This time around, a lot more pressure rests with the home team, in that they are defending champ’s with the winner getting an advantage on the National finals scene and hosting a NSW team next weekend as opposed to traveling south. Not to sound like a broken record, but the run of solid form continues for the Flames as they move onto a winning streak of 44-games. This gives them a much needed mental edge going into this Grand Final with the team seemingly having forgotten how to lose. No player ran more than 30 minutes in yesterdays Semi Final which allows a well rested and refreshed team to be at the height of readiness when 12 noon rolls around. The Pirates are the underdog team that will throw everything they can at the Flames, with a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude. It is this spirit that has the ability to cause an upset, however the team will need to hit higher than their Semi Final 38% from the field if they wish to create history. The Pirates Wallis and Parsons will have the backing of every southern team in the League, with this a true north-south battle.
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