Forestville Eagles 83 | Central Districts Lions 51

 

After a tense start, the Eagles proved too strong for a gallant Lions side cruising to an 83-51 win, evening their ledger at 2-2. 

It was not all smooth sailing for Forestville, struggling to initially find their rhythm with many opportunities tantalisingly bouncing out.

Centrals were making the early running with Danielle Greaves knocking down a tight three, before Rhianna Stringer hit back to back baskets to give the Lions a slim advantage- just two points, 10-12 at the first break.     

The Lions continued their fast play, transitioning well to counter Forestville’s offensive strength. Alisha Carlin was providing a vital target within the key, finishing off a nice lay-up and drawing a foul.

The Eagles began to hit back, led commendably by Olivia Thompson with 10 rebounds and nine points for the half. When Sam Defrancesco nailed a long three, again the margin was just two points at the main change.

Little separated the two sides as they traded baskets to open the third, with fans wondering which side would take control of the contest. 

Forestville left no one guessing, going on a 17-0 run as Thompson combined with Meg Prosser to push game almost beyond the Lions reach.

The Eagles rebounding supremacy was making life difficult for Centrals, with Thompson collecting an extraordinary 21 rebounds, aided well by Kelsey Brett and Defrancesco who also reached double figures.   

When Katia Stamatelopoulos weaved through traffic and assisted Prosser, the lead was out to 18 points.

Rhianna Stringer (22 points, 13 rebounds) worked tirelessly all night, knocking down an early three and holding her nerve at the line to give the Lions a slight chance in the last. However, when leader Carlin fouled out, an unlikely comeback was all but extinguished.

Defrancesco (20 points, 12 rebounds) and Prosser (21 points) continued to impress as the heat quickly faded from the match. Thompson was a deserved winner of the ANZAC Medal, showing her quality and class in a performance that displays why she is one of the competition’s best. 

Centrals would be hoping for more contributors and four quarter effort, as they face North Adelaide on Saturday. Meanwhile, Forestville host a wounded South Adelaide at Wayville as they look to record their third win of the season.