Last weekend’s round 11 fixture of the Central Australian Basketball League saw the Mavericks drop both games to the Norwood Flames. The Lady Mavs faced an intimidating battle against the undefeated Flames, and with star guard Tess Madgen still away with the Opals, they found themselves on the receiving end of a 54 point thumping 40-94.

Co-captain Madison Bycroft returned this week for the Mavericks, though they were still without Madgen and Alex Wilson who were representing Australia. Tenille Searl, Shannon Tarran, Amanda Macdermot and Jemma Thacker filled out the starting five. Thacker, coming off a 39 point performance against Woodville was sure to receive a little extra attention.

The reigning premiers got off to a flying start, outscoring the Mavericks 17-1 in the opening 5 minutes. WNBL players Jess Foley and Rebecca Duke had a lot to do with that, each with 4 offensive rebounds for the Flames. Madgen’s presence around the boards was sorely missed as the height of Norwood’s Duke and Elizabeth Keane doubled the Mavs rebounds, her composure bringing the ball into offense also lacking as Eastern turned the ball over 8 times in the first term. Tarran scored 4, and Megan Thomas’ converted three point play was all the Mavericks could count as they entered the first break down by 18.

The second quarter was a solid effort and the only period Eastern would score double figures in, they boxed out the Flames rebounders and found their shots at the other end. Macdermot hit a three pointer in between baskets to Duke and Foley, and the Mavs then went on a 10 point run with points to Searl, Tarran and Thacker. The last 3 minutes saw the Flames go 11-4 thanks to Megan Pritchard’s 9, she scored the final basket from downtown after Foley drew defenders on her penetration dribble and dished the ball outside the arc.

The third stanza was all Norwood as their strength inside the key drew Eastern into fouling, they were over the limit and giving away free throws 3 and a half minutes in. The Flames had 7 points contributors with Jessica Good and Foley leading the way 8 and 7 respectively.

The final term continued the pattern as Norwood dominated every stat, scoring the last 12 points unanswered. Eastern’s 33 turnovers cost them as the Flames put up 26 more shots and finished with 5 double figure scorers. It was a difficult day for the Mavs as Thacker went 1 from 11, Macdermot 3 from 14 and Thomas 2 from 10. Expect a strong rebound next week against the Bearcats as Madgen returns and the Mavericks try to put this one behind them.

Eastern Mavericks 40 (Tarran 10, Macdermot 9, Searl 7) defeated by the Norwood Flames 94 (Foley 20, Duke 20, Good 18).

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By Lachlan Eggers