By Sam Phillips
Sturt Sabres 91 | South Adelaide Panthers 49

Sturt notched up an impressive victory over a struggling Panthers side, leading at every change to win 91-49.

With both sides coming off narrow losses last week, the game started with good energy and an eagerness to shoot the ball. Nicola Matthews was fantastic early for Sturt, driving hard to basket on her way to 8 points for the quarter, with Lauren Gibbons also looking lively with 6 points.

Sturt had soon opened up a double digit advantage, as poor shooting left South ruing missed opportunities, especially given they had a number of repeat chances. 13 points was the lead at the first break, 27-14.

Matthews continued her good work into the second, capping off some quick transition play with a solo layup.

Anne Hatchard was also making her mark on the match, while not a frenetic points scorer, she more than contributed with 5 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals in the first half alone. Players like Hatchard would certainly please Coach Marcus Wong, as the importance of team play at Sturt is evidenced with the minutes and depth of their bench (38pts off the bench compared to just 9 from South).

Sturt began to establish a rebounding supremacy that continued across the night, with Caroline Burgess (also 8 points) especially prominent collecting 11 for the match.

South continued to toil hard, but Sturt’s pressure was causing countless turnovers and shots from difficult areas. Sturt had the momentum and a large lead, 48-25 at half time.

Sturt again continued to attack the basket, as Hannah Richards (14 points, 6 rebounds) stood tall literally and figuratively, picking up 9 points for the quarter. Sharp shooter (81%) Kate Gladstone made the most of her opportunities, hitting consecutive three’s on her way to a game high 15 points as one of Sturt’s best.

Ieva Nagy (13 points, 9 rebounds) started to assert herself on the match in the third, but was still well down on her usual lofty standards. Perhaps South Adelaide’s and her performance was typified as she missed an easy open layup, with her face expressing it just wasn’t going to be their night. Sturt had extended their lead to 36 at the final change.

South never stopped trying in the last quarter despite the sizeable margin, with the effervescent Maddie Cunningham continuing to battle for loose balls regardless of their predicament. Both teams were able to put some minutes in their benches as the heat of the game dissipated late on.

Sturt would be content with a convincing win as they strive for a finals berth, knowing that the final two games are must wins. South on the other hand, should use these final games to give some of their less experienced players a taste of Premier League action.

Round 20
Saturday, 6August at 6:30pm
Sturt Sabres v Central Districts Lions @ Pasadena
Sunday, 7 August at 3.00pm
Forestville Eagles v South Adelaide Panthers @ Wayville