Game Preview: Lightning vs Fire

26/OCT/2007 – Although Townsville have won two of three matches to start the season they haven't really set the world on fire but like all good teams they are getting the wins.

Townsville v Adelaide, SeaFM Stadium Saturday October 27, 7:30pm

On top of leading the league for least points conceded (58) and most rebounds per game (49) the Fire have been steady across all the major statistical areas but will need their A-game to win here.

The Lightning responded to a week from hell with two gritty, albeit scratchy wins, and a further week under Vicki Valk will do them a world of good. The thing about the Lightning is they have options at both ends of the court. Any five players can rack up a score - the Lightning averages 81ppg, 2nd in the league and restrict their opponents to 73 points - third best in the league.

Townsville's defence has been stellar but will be well and truly tested here. The inside battle between Jenny Whittle and Jennifer Crouse will be crucial and physical as will the battle for supremacy between Tracy Gahan (12ppg and 10rpg) and Opal Rohanee Cox (12.1ppg and 6.0rpg).

The depth of the Lightning bench will be of major concern for Fire coach Peter Buckle. On paper the Lightning has it over Townsville in this area but stranger things have happened. The Lightning have five players averaging more than 10 points a game compared to Townsville's two, illustrating the Lightning's offensive depth.

Against Dandenong Adelaide thought they would cruise to victory and it looked like they were all waiting for someone else to step-up but its unlikely this will happen again. The Lightning will focus on shutting down Cox but still should be too strong across the court.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Adelaide 13, Townsville 5.

Who's hot?: Miss Double-Double. Tracy Gahan has tallied a double-double in every game so far this season. She hustles, works and gives her all every minute she is on the court. She is the key to the Lightning's success.

We need a big game from: Biancia Abbot has showed massive improvement this season and while she has been providing Jennifer Crouse with valuable support on the boards, Abbott will need a big rebounding game here against the likes of Whittle and Gahan.

By WNBL.com.au media