Supercats win way into finals
THE Lady Supercats have reached the SEABL finals after a last-round victory over Canberra at the Arena consolidated their position within the final eight.
Fate was in the hands of the Lady Supercats and a stellar defensive performance ensured they did not have to rely on other results to gain the chance to defend their 2017 SEABL title.
An impressive first quarter set the tone of the match with the team able to control the tempo throughout, remaining unfazed at all breaks.
Ebony Rolph was influential after halftime and finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Geelong slowed the tempo dramatically in the second half on offence but the manic pressure continued on defence, rattling Canberra on a number of occasions causing turnovers.
Once Geelong’s long-range scoring got into groove, the Supercats ran away 69-53 victors.
In the men’s game, a Nathan Herbert and John Davis-led Supercats side survived a second half scare from a fast-finishing Canberra Gunners to help their chances of cementing a top-four spot.
It looked to be business as usual for the Supercats early with Herbert, playing his final regular season game, putting on a shooting master class.
The Arena crowd witnessed the flair the Supercats are capable of with the highlight coming from fringe player Matthew Johns slamming home a basket after some elite passing from Davis and Herbert in the set up.
Trailing by 17 at halftime, Canberra produced a phenomenal 30-point third quarter to get within seven at the final break.
The Supercats held their nerve and broke even on the scoring front in the last finishing the game 89-82.
Davis ended up with 23 points and eight rebounds while the man-of-the-moment Herbert, who will retire at the end of the season, finished with 21 points and five assists.