West Coast Fever displayed their dominance and secured a convincing 72-61 triumph over the GIANTS in a commanding showdown at RAC Arena.
With precise passes and lightning speed, the Fever consistently found Jhaniele Fowler in the circle, proving unstoppable for the GIANTS' defense.
Courtney Bruce's outstanding defensive prowess added to the home side’s commanding display, solidifying their position as second on the ladder.
Despite their unfulfilled finals aspirations, the GIANTS sought to conclude their season on a high note with a strong showing against the Fever, however, it was the Fever who seized control of the match, leaving no room for doubt they are contenders for this year’s trophy.
Verity Simmons (seven goal assists and eight feeds) and Alice Teague-Neeld (eight goal assists, eight centre pass receives, and nine feeds) were strong when the GIANTS came at them, using their speed and precision to pierce through to Jhaniele Fowler.
Simmons provided plenty of options and slotted a goal for the team in green after some quick transition down the top of the circle.
Fever were in control early, putting smothering pressure on the GIANTS attacking line. Courtney Bruce was the star of the first term with 41 Nissan Net Points, a rebound, three intercepts and a deflection.
But Lauren Moore’s impressive work on Fowler was invaluable for the GIANTS and helped keep them within range leading into the Power Five.
GIANTS coach Julie Fitzgerald called the first tactical timeout with just over five minutes to go in the first term.
Sophie Dwyer scored the first Super Shot of the match, bringing the score back to within two. But the Fever put their foot down with a conservative approach, pushing their lead out to three at the end of the first term (19-16).
Despite a fast start from the Fever, The GIANTS had the better of the territory in the second quarter, clawing back the score to within just one leading into the Power Five.
Lauren Moore unleashed her aerial dominance in the second term, intercepting the ball with textbook precision not once, but twice. The Giants' defender left Fowler visibly frustrated.
But at times the GIANTS struggled to move the ball cleanly and reward the defenders' efforts– the relentless full-court pressure from the Fever disrupted their rhythm and impeded their transitions.
Simmons was a stand out again in attack, gaining six goal assists, and seven feeds, using her precision delivery to Fowler and giving the home side some relief. She also pulled in an intercept and deflection off Jamie-Lee Price late off the centre pass.
Fever’s young gun Sunday Aryang was also a key pillar down back alongside Bruce, halting the GIANTS fast breaks from the centre pass and pulling in a crucial intercept at the back.
Glasgow slotted in a Super Shot with just minutes to go in the term but a late Super Shot from Jo Harten and Sophie Dwyer, brought the visitors back to within four (33-37) at the main break. Fever won the quarter 18-17 .
The Fever put their foot down in the third term, slotting 10 goals to three in the first five minutes. The team in green found more depth in their second phase and their feeds into Fowler sharpened up.
In the final moments of the quarter, Dwyer delivered a much-needed two-pointer, showcasing her accuracy and composure under pressure but the home side entered the final quarter with a commanding 10 goal lead.
The GIANTS picked the full pressure defence up a notch in the final term, delaying the Fever’s play but they looked stagnant in attack at times.
The Fever maintained their composure and showed their experience in attack, while player of the match, Bruce was having a field day in defence, racking in the rebounds and shutting down any glimmer of hope for a comeback from the GIANTS.
Amy Sligar came on in WD for the GIANTS in an attempt to disrupt the Fever’s run but it wasn’t enough to stop the run of the reigning premiers.
Dwyer’s attempt at a Super Shot didn’t drop and the Fever were quick to pick up and score. Fowler slotted a goal with 20 seconds to go and the green army were on their feet.
With a final score of 72-61 the West Coast Fever marched their way to second on the ladder after a dominant performance against the GIANTS at RAC Arena.
