By Benito Carbone

Sturt Sabres 72 | West Adelaide Bearcats 59

A huge clash in Port Adelaide on Saturday Night saw the Sturt Sabres continue their hot streak, defeating a resilient West Adelaide side by 13 points. Caroline Burgess was instrumental for the visitors, collecting 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead her side to a victory. Danni Angley was also impressive for Sturt, shooting 6 from 7 on her way to a game-high 16 points. Stana Zecevic played well for the home side, with 11 points, 15 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals, while Holland was notable with 8 points and 8 rebounds.

The clash was marred by injury with Bearcats star Alice Gee collapsing midway through the fourth clutching her knee and Sabres substitute, Lauren Gibbons taking a heavy fall on her head late on.

The match was even early on with both teams missing their marks from the field. Amy Porter played a nice 1-2 for the hosts to score two but late points for the Sabres ensured they reached the first break with a 5-point advantage.

The sides continued to shoot at under 30% for much of the second period, although a Burgess 3-pointer was a highlight for the visitors. West Adelaide import, Campbell suited up for the first time this weekend but failed to find her rhythm landing just 1 of 8 from the field. The two teams remained neck and neck until Sturt managed to extend their lead late in the half to reach the break with a 32-25 lead.

After the break, a fired-up Bearcats continued to pressure Sturt and seemed to be gaining momentum until the visitors took their game to another level, particularly from the perimeter. A technical against the Bearcats’ coach and persistent inaccuracy also frustrated the side and Sturt took full advantage to hold a 9-point lead at the end of the third.

The last quarter remained fiercely competitive with the hosts continually showing signs of a comeback through Zecevic, Gee (8 points) and Fejo (9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals), only to be kept at bay by clutch baskets from the away side.

Halfway through the last term, the ladder-leaders decided to take their sharp-shooting from the perimeter to the arc. Jade Johnson (13 points), Nicola Matthews (8 points) and Danni Angley all landed their shots to extend their lead to an incontestable 13 points and a 72-59 win.

West Adelaide’s loss was further compounded by Gee’s injury, with word from the Bearcats camp of a possible ACL tear. Meanwhile, Sturt will be delighted with the victory and their 3-0 record giving them considerable momentum for the rest of the season.

BLOCKBUSTER ROUND: Saturday, 9 April at Wayville

West Adelaide V Central Districts @ 1.15pm

Sturt Sabres V Forestville Eagles @ 3.00pm