Hoop City Geelong United Supercats coach Matt Paton isn’t shying away from how vital two wins are this weekend as the NBL1 South women’s season heads for home.
United, which sits 5th with a 7-4 win-loss record, one win behind third-placed Mt Gambier, faces Knox (9th 7-6) at Geelong Arena on Saturday night before making the short trip to Keilor (17th 3-9) on Sunday.
“It is so tight; every game is going to have an impact on ladder positions,” Paton said.
“Knox presents a challenge that, historically, they’ve matched up well with us.
“They have a very athletic frontcourt, with Alicia Froling and a slew of talented guards and forwards.
“They’ll be very tough.”
Froling leads Knox in both points (26.0) and rebounds (10.9), with Kiera Rowe (11.4) the only other Raider averaging double figures for points.
Although focused on the Raiders on Saturday night, Paton is well aware, despite their lowly position on the ladder, the Thunder will be no pushover.
They fell just short of a massive upset of second-placed Waverley last Sunday.
“They’ve gone toe-to-toe with the second team on the ladder,” Paton said.
“Going to their place, we know it’s not going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination.
“Two very important games, but two winnable games for us.”
Lana Hollingsworth (18.5ppg) and Japanese duo Juna Umezawa (17.7ppg) and Ai Yamada (12.8ppg) will keep the scoreboard ticking over for Keilor.
Tickets for Saturday night’s Read the Play Game Night are selling fast. Get yours via the link.
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