Game Preview: Fire vs Lightning

26/FEB/2009 – Despite a horror road double last week the Fire will have a lot of confidence heading into this match thanks to their 93-55 drubbing of the Lightning only three weeks ago.

Semi Final 2: Townsville Fire v Adelaide Lightning - 3.00pm Saturday 28th February at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville, televised live on ABC1 from 4.00pm AEDT

Townsville lost to both the Bendigo Spirit and Bulleen Boomers last weekend, at the same time losing their claim on second place and slipping into third. However, the Fire are undefeated at home this season, and although this game will be played at the bigger venue TECC rather than their usual court, that record will instil them with a lot of self-belief.

Star Townsville centre Jennifer Crouse had her worst rebounding game of the season against Bulleen and will need to lift her game to battle Adelaide's bigs because it will be the battle on the boards that could be the difference as the competition's best rebounding teams go toe to toe.

Townsville are the best offensive rebounding team in the league, led by Crouse, and Adelaide top the defensive rebounds table but the Fire lead the league in total rebounds, averaging 44 rebounds per game to Lightning's 41.

American Tracy Gahan is Adelaide's best rebounder and she turned in a fantastic all-round performance in the Elimination Final posting 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, three steals and four assists. Cayla Francis grabbed an equal game-high nine rebounds, also scoring 12 points.

While Gahan and Francis have put up consistent numbers all season Wednesday night's final built on the return to form and confidence of clutch players Rebecca Duke, Jessica Foley and Angela Marino that began in Round 18 with a victory over Bulleen.

The condition of point guard Marino, Adelaide's third highest scorer, will play a big part in the do-or-die fixture. She is undergoing tests today for an injury to her left shoulder, sustained in the 71-63 Elimination Final win.

2008/09 Results
Round 14: Adelaide defeated Townsville 78 - 73 in Adelaide
Round 17: Townsville defeated Adelaide 93 - 55 in Townsville
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Adelaide Lightning 17 - 6 Townsville Fire

(Go Lightning!)