Christmas has come early for Premier League fans as one of the most anticipated matchups of the year has appeared once again! An outing between two of the most dominant clubs for 2019, the Sabres host Forestville after having a rounds rest heading into the postseason. Forestville on the other hand booked their meeting with Sturt after overcoming the Mavericks by 10-points Saturday night.

A breakout game for youngster Ambah Kowcun, saw her lead the Eagles to victory behind her phenomenal 26-points. Shooting over 40 percent from the floor, Kowcun gave the Mavericks some defensive troubles and in turn resulted in them unable to answer overall. A better opening half proved the difference maker between the sides with both sides scoring quite equally as the contest proceeded. 

During their meetings for 2019, the Sabres and Eagles have split their victories at one apiece. In turn, both of their contests were separated by less than 10-points indicating that both sides match well with each other.

The tale of the tape for their 2019 series was the completing of their free throws with both contests being separated by this fundamental. During their March clash, the Sabres were victorious 55-63 and sunk 6-more free throws and 1 in game basket to give them the win. If that wasn’t enough to show how tight these teams are, their second meeting differential was only 4-points (66-70) and again separated by four single Free Throws (15 - Forestville and 11 - Sabres). As cliche as it sounds, both sides are going to need to get their points from the stripe to earn the important W. 

Ones to watch 

Kowcun - Ambah Kowcun is more than able to turn games around herself, with exhibit A being last weekend in a high pressure fixture. Nonetheless, Kowcun only faced off against the Sabres once this season and in turn flirted with a double-double of 20-points and 8-rebounds. Her ability to find the bottom of the net will be a difference maker for the Eagles and one that will be on the Sturt whiteboard to keep an eye on.

Elissa Brett - Elissa Brett enjoyed her nights out on the floor against the Eagles earlier this season, by notching 16-points in both meetings and recording a double-double in the latter, the Eagles are going to keep her off the glass and restrict her offensive opportunities.

Chelsea Roberts - Don’t let the 1-13 fool you in her first meeting with Sturt earlier this season as she still put the work in on the glass pulling down 8-rebounds and forcing 3-turnovers off of steals. Her second outing against the Sabres was much more successful as she flirted with a double-double with 11-points and 7-rebounds (as well as dishing 4-assists). Adding to this, defensively, she picked 4-pockets and sent back 1-shot proving that she is able to work both sides of the floor. 

Hang Time prediction: In what will be a shock if there is a blowout or considerable margin, Forestville will overcome the Sabres by less than 6-points.