Pivot City has booked the first berth in the RL Signs Geelong United Basketball Women’s Winter Championship grand final following a thrilling three-point win over Sharks at AWA Alliance Bank Stadium on Tuesday night.
With 0.9 seconds remaining, Sharks guard Georgia Varley threw up a late prayer to tie the game, which rimmed out, allowing Pivot to advance to the decider at Geelong Arena on Tuesday, 12 September, 70-67.
Big Ella Tofaeono proved crucial to the result. She finished with 26 points and became the focal point for Pivot after Eve Braslis (14 points) ran into foul trouble and then fouled out midway through the final period.
Vanessa Marsh (8 points) also had a say in the final result, calmly knocking down four free throws in the closing stages.
At the other end, Cortney Hollowood was best for Sharks with 23 points, with Varley and Alex Duck finishing on 18.
Wildcats had few issues accounting for YMCA, booking a preliminary final meeting with Sharks on the back of a 77-32 victory at AWA.
Led by 22 points from Geelong United NBL1 co-captain Sarah Elsworthy, Wildcats controlled the contest from the opening tip.
They outscored Y 22-3 in the opening term and never looked back.
Ash Rozenfeld and Jasmine King contributed 13 points, with experienced big Chantelle Hall adding 10 points to Wildcats’ tally.
Taylah Richards battled hard for YMCA, finishing with 13 points, with Eliza Hannagan (11 points) next best.
