An off night on the shot front has proven costly as the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats women suffered an 81-68 loss to Frankston at Geelong Arena on Saturday night.
Despite putting up more shots than the visitors (77-72), United connected on just 24 shots (31 per cent) compared to the Blues’ 30 at 42 per cent.
Geelong United were outscored in each of the first three quarters, with a 26-16 third quarter putting the game beyond the reach of Matthew Paton’s roster.
Paton said defensive lapses also proved detrimental, with Blues star Chloe Bibby taking a full toll with 33 points.
“We scouted them well – we knew what their primary threats were and where they were on the floor,” he said.
“We knew they were going to be better than they have been because they’ve only had a couple of games with Chole Bibby, for example, who’s a high-class player.
“She’s a tough match-up in that she can finish inside and outside, which she showed tonight.”
NBL1 MEN: UNITED OVERCOME THE BLUES
Ella Tofaeono and co-captain Sarah Elsworthy were the only Supercats to shoot at better than 40 per cent.
Tofaeono finished with 22 points and 25 rebounds, while Elsworthy – who again registered 40 minutes of playing time – had 11 points, five steals, four assists and three rebounds.
Fellow starters Eve Bralis (12 points), Jess Scannell (11) and Monica Okoye (10) again scored in double-figures.
Paton’s plans for the evening were somewhat thrown out after Polish National Team star Agnieszka Skobel’s clearance to play wasn’t approved by game time.
However, she and 2017 Geelong SEABL championship-winner Chantel Horvat are expected to be available for this weekend’s home-road double against Mt Gambier and Diamond Valley.
Tickets for Saturday’s Lifeline Game against the Pioneers are on sale now via the link https://bit.ly/3JspNN5
