ENERGY was high, determination even more so.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Rush worked hard to finally polish off a tight game against rival Geelong before a strong home crowd on Wednesday night. The three-point win was Harvey Norman Ballarat Rush’s fourth win this South East Australian Basketball League season and second within 10 days at the MARS Minerdome, but wins in close matches at home the past month have eluded Rush.
This time, Rush remained calm and grit out play against a team that is chasing top east conference spot.
Emerging youngster Molly Mathews continued her stellar form, earning Rush most valuable player honours for her physical presence, exciting play and big shooting in a 16-point, five-rebound game.
Rush coach Peter Cunningham said this win rewarded his coaches – like Darren Govan, who has worked closely with Mathews on sharpening her game – just as much as the win rewarded his players.
“It’s a great result for the girls and coaching panel because we back each other up so much to get the job done,” Cunningham said.“Our girls were positive, there was enthusiasm and passion...it was good for the crowd to see that because we’ve had great support for a team that had only won three games.”
Shanae Greaves played aggressive and hard and her influence was evident in teammates. Kasey Burton was solid in defence and pulled in 12 rebounds. Rush captain Abbey Wehrung was double-teamed and still built 19 points.
Co-captain Kristy Rinaldi nailed two pivotal three-pointers midway in the fourth quarter signalling there was no way Rush would let this game slip.
Cunningham said his team had lapses, a slow start and sloppy patches – this was a developing outfit a little exposed by a leading rival – but players were adjusting to corrections quicker and it was starting to show.
“This was just a hard grind for both teams,” Cunningham said.
Rush takes the win into a bye round in the women’s competition with two weekends off before hosting Albury-Wodonga on July 25.
SEABL DETAILS
WOMEN
RUSH 17 33 46 65
GEELONG 25 33 49 62
TOP-SCORERS – Rush: Wehrung 19 points (4 three-pointers), Mathews 16 (3). Geelong: Roberts 21.
REBOUNDS – Rush 47 (Burton 12, Rinaldi 12), Geelong 39
Rush MVP: Molly Mathews
MEN
GEELONG 33 53 75 93
MINERS 23 46 64 77
TOP-SCORERS – Geelong: Herbert 23 (2), Barrett 15. Miners:Booker 19 (3), Thondique 18 (2), Fisher 14 (4).
REBOUNDS – Geelong 43, Miners 37 (Thondique 10)
Miners MVP: Dyson King-Hawea