Game Preview: Fire vs Lightning

11/JAN/2007 – Although the Townsville Fire are currently one win outside the top four, the statistics show they are one of the best all-round teams in the competition.

They average 81 points per game (2nd) at 46 per cent field goal shooting (1st), with 45 rebounds per game (2nd), 6 blocked shots (2nd) and 6 steals per game (2nd), but they concede 74 points per game (6th), they dish out a mere 13 assists per game (7th) and they cough up 16 turnovers per game (equal 6th). Against league leaders Adelaide those stats could be fatal.

In comparison, Adelaide has been the most consistent team in the league this season, leading the categories of total rebounds (46) and assists (16) per game while averaging 76 points (3rd) and conceding just 67 points per game (2nd).

The Lightning has an even spread of contributors each week while the Fire rely heavily on Renae Camino and Rohanee Cox to post big numbers. To their credit, Tania Heritage (10.3ppg) and Jennifer Crouse (10.0ppg) have been increasing their offensive output of late.

With Rachael Flanagan out through injury, Townsville head coach Dave Herbert has indicated that both Tania Heritage and Celeste Heilbronn will cover world champion defencejobs Opal Erin Phillips.

Last time they met, Tracey Gahan was the chief destroyer for Adelaide with 21 points and 12 rebounds while Kristen Rasmussen contributed 19 points and 7 rebounds. Renae Camino posted a 17 point, 12 rebound double-double in opposition.

LAST TIME THEY MET: Adelaide 86 def Townsville 80 in Townsville (Round 7).

Townsville v Adelaide: SeaFM Stadium, Friday 8pm