WOMEN

Dennis’ Computers Townsville Flames vs Gold Coast Rollers (at Gold Coast) Saturday 7 July

The Rollers suffered their first losses of the season last week against Mackay and Rockhampton, in what was a demanding round for the team, facing their toughest opponents of the season to date. The Flames have not fared well so far this season, currently on a five-game losing streak, facing some tough teams in recent weeks. Gladstone punished them last week at home but they’ll be looking to regroup and bounce back in a bid to improve their season record. Townsville have their full team back on the court for this week, and will look for leadership from Aroon Edgar and Lisa Braunberger to leverage points from them and their younger shooters in the Froling sisters and their top-scorer from last week, Kayla Ward. No doubt the Rollers will be relieved to be back on their home court, with the push on for their top scorers Carine Reimink and Heidi Freeburn to set the pace to get points on the board, to get their team back in the winner’s circle. Townsville will be fresh for their first game of their southern road trip, however they will need to be on point to overpower a determined Gold Coast outfit who will be looking to maintain their top position in Pool C, with Ipswich hot on their heels.

Dennis’ Computers Townsville Flames vs South West Metro Pirates (at South West) Sunday 8 July

South West hit the court for the second time this round, after taking on the Mountaineers in Toowoomba on Saturday night. Going into Round 8 still yet to secure a win, they’ll be driven to break the streak this week, particularly in this match on their home court against the northerners. The Pirates came close to a win last week against Maroochydore but were pipped at the post, with Jess Wallis equal top-scorer for the match with 20 points. Townsville will be equally as earnest for a win, coming into this round on a five-game losing streak after being demoralised by Gladstone in Round 7. This is also the Flames’ second game this week, going up against the Gold Coast on Saturday night. The Pirates will be hoping for their supportive home crowd to boost them as they try to secure their first win at home for the season, and the young team will need to be on their game to overcome a seasoned Flames side who are hungry to get a win. The last time these teams encountered each other was in Round 7 last year with the Flames taking the match 80 to 61, so Townsville will be out to emulate that performance.

MEN

Townsville McDonald’s Heat v Gold Coast Rollers (at Gold Coast) Saturday 7 July

Townsville have hit a slump of late, currently sitting on three straight losses after starting their season off with five consecutive wins. Their narrow and last-minute loss to Gladstone last week was a surprise, so the Heat will be out to counter-act any negativity coming off that loss, and bounce back against the Rollers. However, the Heat will be severely hampered with the absence of three of their top players in Blanchfield, Norton and Cedar who will all miss this week. Townsville will need to secure this win to sure up their chances of a finals berth, with Cairns nipping at their heels, so will have to work hard to compensate for their missing key players. The pressure will be on Matthew Rees, Micheal Demertze, Steve Costanzo and captain Keegan Tudehope to put some big points on the board for the Heat, and contain the Rollers’ big men in the paint. Gold Coast are also coming off losses, taking a double hit last week at the hands of Mackay and Rockhampton, by considerable margins. Their big men in Jaydan Tom, Jason Aucoin, Willard Johnson and Scott McGregor are likely to give it all they’ve got to defend the basket and keep the Townsville scoring to a minimum, with their finals chances also in jeopardy at this stage, so expect a fiery game at Southport.

Townville McDonald’s Heat v South West Metro Pirates (at South West) Sunday 8 July

The outcome of this match will be interesting to see, with both teams in a double-header round and sitting on losing streaks following initial solid form at the beginning of the season. Heading into Round 8, South West were just behind Townsville on the ladder at sixth place, with both teams sustaining surprise losses in Round 7, and looking to turn their form around. Townsville are on the backfoot with three of their essential players out of the team this week in Blanchfield, Norton and Cedar, so will miss the specialised shooting ability these players bring to the Heat mix. With pool places for finals starting to emerge, Townsville can’t afford to drop any more games, so will need all their players to step up and give it their all this week. Likewise, South West will be after the win to try and lock up a top two position in Pool C, so will be looking for Teys, Lippman and Barnes to be the main drivers behind effective plays and putting big numbers up on the scoreboard.