Mavs throttle GIANTS

By Stephanie Smarrelli
 

The Mavericks and GIANTS both entered John Cain Arena determined to register their first win on Sunday afternoon.

While the visitors tried their best, the Mavericks were too strong on their home court. 

Shimona Jok started proceedings in game 100 but the GIANTS were quick to return fire via Jo Harten. 

It was goal for goal early with not much separating the teams despite both turning over possession in the opening minutes. 

The Mavs took charge their momentum stifling the GIANTS attack, establishing a five-goal lead heading into the first break despite some sharp shooting from Sophie Dwyer and Harten.  

The second quarter didn’t start much better for Julie Fitz and co.  

The Mavs extending their lead to seven goals off the back of Kim Brown’s defensive prowess.  

They weren’t faultless though with the GIANTS taking advantage of a couple of mistakes to bring the scoreboard back to four.  

But the Mavs continued to surge throughout the second quarter with Uneeq Palavi and Jok continuing to slot goal after goal. 

The GIANTS were given their opportunity to make a mark during the Power Five but the team were unable to make a big impact on the scoreboard only scoring one Super Shot. 

Four goals remaining the margin at halftime. 

The Mavs’ might was too strong for the GIANTS throughout the third term but the GIANTS continued to push. 

Amy Sligar was prolific through the midcourt and Matisse Letherbarrow offered them something different in the goal circle.  

But the side's general play turnovers were their worst enemy continuing to add up allowing the Mavs to extend their lead out to eight goals.  

The Mavs continued to increase the heat on the scoreboard turning to the Super Shot to inflict more damage to lead by 11 goals at the final break.  

Heading into the final quarter, the Mavericks were still in control leading by 11 goals. 

The GIANTS gave it their all applying as much pressure as possible on the Mavs but the Melbourne side weren’t about to let another game slip.  

The Mavs powered home led by the milestone woman Jok who ignited the crowd as she continued to slot goal after goal.

The final score? 

71to 56.

GIANTS coach Julie Fitzgerald wasn't happy with the side's performance.

"We can play a lot better than what we put out there today," she said.

"There's lots of things to work on...the performance today was disappointing when you think of what we've built over the last two weeks." 

While Maverick's coach Tracey Neville was thrilled for the side to get their first win of the season she touched on the strategy around the side's two-point shot use. 

"In the first game we overused the Super Shot, there's a time when you just need to tick the scoreboard over," she said.

"Last week, the two point time lost us the game we didn't warm up into that position and we weren't smart around that.

"The GIANTS we knew they're absolutely hot hand in with that two point shot so to keep extending the gap out was really important to give us that barrier today."