QBL Women's Week 3 Previews
Friday, May 13
Rockhampton Cyclones (1-1) vs Toowoomba Mountaineers (1-1)
Offensive Rating: Rockhampton 103.3 (3rd) - Toowoomba 84.6 (12th) Defensive Rating: Rockhampton 69.2 (2nd) -Toowoomba 97.6 (11th)
The Gist: Rockhampton returned to their winning ways with a convincing 91-61 win over Logan. Alicia Kunek top scored with 21 pts on 8/13 shooting while Chandrea Jones, one her first game from returning from Finland missed on a triple double. Toowoomba came back on earth with a 66-93 loss to Townsville with Estela Royo Torres leading the Mountaineers with 19 points (7 turnovers) while Meg Essex scored 13 on debut.
Prediction: Toowoomba will have their whole squad available for the first time this year. Beatriz Royo Torres will bring the same fire and intensity as her sister Estela; along with Meg Essex should form a potent trio. Despite the improvements, Rockhampton should continue their winning now that imports Jones and Dowdell are back in town. Rockhampton
Townsville Flames (3-0) vs Brisbane Capitals (1-1)
Offensive Rating: Townsville 104.9 (1st) - Brisbane 85.5(9th) Defensive Rating: Townsville 83.6 (4th) - Brisbane 66.7 (1st)
The Gist: Townsville were in ominous form last weekend with convincing wins over Toowoomba (66-93) and Ipswich (69-89). Natalie Novosel was in amazing form (30 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds and 9 steals vs. Toowoomba) and continue that the next day (44 points,14/19 FG, 7/10 3PT and 11 rebounds vs. Ipswich). Brisbane was in devastating form between SC Rip in their inaugural home game 36-80. Mikeala King lead all scorers with 17 points off the bench
Key Matchup: Cayla George vs. Emma McKenzie. George returns from Opal duties and should continue where she left off (16 points, 19 rebounds vs. Cairns). If Brisbane are to have a chance, Emma McKenzie needs to be at the top of her game, defensive wise.
Prediction: The battle of the best offense (Townsville) and best defense (Brisbane) so far this season. Townsville has looked in ominous form and managed to go 2-0 on the weekend without Palvaast and George due to international duties. While Palvaast is still out, George and Novosel should be a handful for the Capitals. Townsville
Saturday, May 14
Logan Thunder (1-2) vs. Ipswich Force (1-1) Offensive Rating: Logan 88.5 (6th) - Ipswich 84.1 (13th) Defensive Rating: Logan 94.4 (10th) - Ipswich 100.8 (12th)
The Gist: Logan had a tough time in the CQ road trip losing both to Rockhampton (91-61) and Mackay (81-72). Though the Cyclones game was over by halftime, the Thunder showed more fight versus the Meteorettes, with Mikhaela Donnelly top scoring with 20 points. Ipswich is also coming from a big loss at home to Townsville, with debutant Soana Lucet having a huge game (27 points, 25 rebounds) for the Force.
Key Matchup: Skye Rees vs. Soana Lucet. Rees has struggle so far this season and despite a decent showing at Mackay (9 points, 11 rebounds), Rees needs to step up in this game, especially against Lucet, who showed she can be one of the top centres in this league.
Prediction: Losing Ambrose is a huge blow for the team, Logan will have to depend on the likes of Gaze and Donnelly. Ipswich still haven't got a full roster with Smith yet to arrive so they onus will fall on Lucet and Farley. Too close to call. Logan
South West Metro Pirates (1-1) vs. Sunshine Coast Rip (0-2)
Offensive Rating: South West 86.0 (7th) SC Rip 58.9 (14th)
Defensive Rating: South West 92.0 (9th) SC Rip 103.5 (13th)
The Gist: South West managed a huge win over a depleted Gladstone squad. Sidney Parsons was in amazing form for the Pirates with 50 points (16/30 FG, 14/15 FT) along with 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals. SC Rip had a horrendous first home game against Brisbane losing 36-80. Rip who scored a third of the total in the last 4 minutes of the game, had Kristen Langford as their top scorer with 12 points.
Key Matchup: Sidney Parsons vs. Francis Donders. Parsons is in red hot form and despite the return of Erica Carlson, Parsons should carry the team offensively. While Donders has a strong resume with international experience, she has struggle in Rip uniform so far. Rip need more out of her, starting with this game.
Prediction: South West get their full squad with Carlson eligible to play.While South West isn't the strongest team in the league, Rip has a lot of issues (starting with their woeful offense) and it’s hard to see those issues resolve overnight. South West
Cairns Marlins (1-1) vs. Brisbane Capitals (1-1)
Offensive Rating: Cairns 94.8 (5th) - Brisbane 85.5 (9th) Defensive Rating: Cairns 89.0 (6th) - Brisbane 66.7 (1st)
The Gist: Cairns had a bye week but should be happy from week 1 split of the tough Mackay/Townsville road trip. Pryor and Teyla Evans were in good form, as well as import Kristina Baltic. Brisbane will be playing their second game of the week.
Key Matchup: Myra Donkin vs. Heidi Freeburn. Dolphins has a lot of weapons up front but they are limited in the backcourt with Donkin as the only reliable option. Heidi Freeburn is a veteran guard that make the Capitals click offensively.
Prediction: The addition of coach Worthington into the squad has seem to infuse some energy and discipline to the Dolphins. Brisbane might have had a chance if this game was played on a friday night but Cairns should have it a close one. Cairns
Gladstone Port City Power (1-2) vs. Toowoomba Mountaineers (0-2)
Offensive Rating: Gladstone 95.6 (4th) - Toowoomba 84.6 (12th)
Defensive Rating: Gladstone 113.7 (14th) - Toowoomba 97.6 (11th)
The Gist: Gladstone were deal big blows with loses to both Gold Coast and South West. Their team was severely depleted with no Hailey Moloa or import Keara Nelson and top of that they didn't have Charmaine Mellars for the SW Metro game, leaving with Markel Walker to carry the load (44 points, 26 rebounds). Toowoomba will be in their second game of the
Key Matchup: Markel Walker vs. Meg Essex. Walker was in ominous form at Hibiscus and while the team gets back some of its firepower, Walker should play a huge part in the team. Essex would carry a large load in the Mountaineers centre duties and will need to limit Walker’s effectiveness.
Prediction: Gladstone are at full strength with both imports available, There are some intriguing matchups around and Toowoomba could be a tricky assignment but Gladstone isn't going to drop three consecutive games to southern teams. Gladstone
Sunday, May 15
Mackay Meteors (1-1) vs. Rockhampton Rockets (1-1)
Offensive Rating: Mackay 85.3 (10th) - Rockhampton 103.3 (4th) Defensive Rating: Mackay 89.0 (7th) - Rockhampton 69.2 (2nd)
The Gist: This has the making of a grand final preview, Mackay got back to its winning ways, beating Logan by 9. Rockhampton also got back to winning against Logan. Both teams should be in full strength are raring to go.
Prediction: Lots of interesting battles in a match that could have serious implications for home finals. Both team have key players that are playing the first game of the season and it will be intriguing to see how they perform in such a crucial. A cracker of a game. Rockhampton
Gold Coast Rollers (2-0) vs. Sunshine Coast Phoenix Clippers (1-1)
Offensive Rating: Gold Coast 103.7 (2nd) - SC Phoenix 87.4 (7th) Defensive Rating: Gold Coast 90.4 (8th) - SC Phoenix 75.7 (3rd)
The Gist: Gold Coast continued their winning ways with strong win over Gladstone. Nadeen Payne has been quality this season with another 30 point performance. SC Phoenix Clippers had a tough loss against Bundaberg with Katarina Flasarova their best performer.
Key Matchup: Nadeen Payne vs. Kierra Mallard. Two of the better bigs in the league, this promises to be a mouthwatering duel. Mallard struggled in the Bundaberg game and Phoenix will need her to return to form quickly and contain Payne.
Prediction: Very hard to predict this game, but u have to give the edge to the home team who have wins against slight tougher opposition. Gold Coast
