Central District Lions (1-11, 9th) v Eastern Mavericks (9-3, 4th)
Saturday July 6, 6.30pm at Starplex
Officials: B Northcote & N Passey

With Tess Madgen now back from her national commitments, the Eastern Mavericks can jump back into the top three if they can account for Centrals.

The Mavericks’ win over West last week means they are all but guaranteed of a second straight trip to the finals. In contrast, the Lions’ loss to Southern has them in a two-way battle with South to avoid the wooden spoon.

Last time they met, Madgen, Shannon Tarran and Alex Wilson combined for 64 points as the Mavericks breezed to a 100-55 victory. Tamika Dukes stood out for the Lions with 28 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mavericks should have no trouble putting up another big score.

Sturt Sabres (10-2, 2nd) v Forestville Eagles (9-3, 3rd)
Saturday July 6, 6.30pm at Pasadena
Officials: M Dyson & H Starkey

In the Match of the Round, second place is up for grabs as second placed Sturt hosts third ranked Forestville.

Both teams have got the job done in recent weeks, with the Sabres winning four straight and the Eagles their last three. The Sabres have been particularly impressive without the ball, conceding an average of just 49.8 ppg in their four victories, capped off by a 62-50 victory over a quality North Adelaide team. The Eagles have also been at the top of their game defensively, giving away less than 45 points in two of their last three efforts.

In Round 4, the Sabres outscored the Eagles 56-37 after quarter time, en route to a 71-56 triumph. Molly Lewis had a team high 18 points for the Sabres, while Isabelle Daniel, Aneeka Smith and Hannah Bowley joined her in double figures. Mia Newley had game best statistics of 21 points and 10 rebounds, with Forestville’s Olivia Thompson also registering a double-double.

The Sabres are still yet to lose on their floor and should conquer the Eagles once more.

North Adelaide Rockets (8-4, 5th) v Norwood Flames (12-0, 1st)
Saturday July 6, 6.30pm at Hillcrest
Officials: A Just & B Johns

In a rematch of the 2012 Grand Final, the Rockets will be trying to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time since Rounds 3-4 when they take on the still unbeaten Norwood Flames.

The Rockets’ 12 point loss to Sturt in Round 12 has seen them slip to fifth. They need to start beating some of the competition’s stronger outfits if they are to have any chance of avoiding an elimination final.

The Flames’ run of six straight wins of at least 30 points came to an end against Woodville last week, where they only improved their 26-3 quarter time lead by two points in their clash’s final 30 minutes.

Back in Round 4, the final scoreline was 75-56. Jess Foley and Jessica Good led the way for the Flames, while Jo Hill and Jamie-Lee Peris put up double-doubles, in what is the Flames’ second closest game of the season to date.

The Flames’ ability to find a multitude of scorers should prove the difference.

West Adelaide Bearcats (5-7, 6th) v Woodville Warriors (3-9, 7th)
Saturday July 6, 6.30pm at Port Adelaide
Officials: A Rochford & D Rault

In recent weeks, the Woodville Warriors have emerged as the best team outside the top five. However, it is their opponents West Adelaide who can seal a top six finish via a Rivalry Round victory.

The Warriors have gone 3-5 after a 0-4 start. Two of their losses were by single digits to top five clubs, while they also matched Norwood for three quarters last week after a poor start.

A win against Eastern would have kept the Bearcats in the finals race, but their 67-84 loss has now confined them to watching the post-season action from the sidelines for a second straight year.

In Round 4, the Bearcats built an early 20-2 lead and went on to win 73-41. Taya Crockford had a double-double for the winners, while Jasmine Howe scored 10 for the Warriors.

Poor starts have been an Achilles heel for the Warriors all year long, but if they can be in the game at quarter time, then they could keep the battle for sixth and seventh alive.

South Adelaide Panthers (0-12, 9th) v Southern Tigers (3-9, 8th)
Saturday July 6, 6.30pm at Marion
Officials: B Foster & B Harris

The Southern Tigers could move into outright seventh position if they can defeat the Panthers, who continue to seek win numero uno.

In what was a tight game throughout, the Tigers’ 67-61 victory over the Lions ended a seven game losing streak of their own, earning them a third win of the season and equal seventh place with Woodville, although the Warriors currently hold the tie-breaker.  

The Panthers are coming off a 40-64 loss to Forestville, sorely missing former Tiger Alex Ciabattoni. They are running out of time to avoid a second successive wooden spoon.

Last time they met, the yellow and black prevailed 69-55. Stana Zecevic and Denelle Fawcett each had double-doubles for the Tigers, while another former Tiger turned Panther, Teresa Kinross, scored a team-high 15.

The Tigers appear the cat more likely to pounce for victory right now.