Wolves, Phoenix with points to prove
THE top two women’s SBL teams will lock horns tonight in another chance for both to enhance their title credentials.
Southern Wolves will look to make it three wins on the trot against reigning premiers Hobart Phoenix, who are coming off an overtime loss to Glenorchy Spartans last week.
Phoenix will again lean heavily on Sharna Thompson, who has poured in 45 points in back to back matches and cracked 30 in six of her last seven to be cement herself as a leading MVP candidate.
Kylie McCauley remains in doubt with a hamstring complaint and if she is unable to take to the floor, the Wolves three-pronged attack of Brooke Brown, Ellie Collins, and Tayla Roberts could cash in to again take the spoils.
Spartans will start favourite in the second women’s match against Kingborough-Huon Kings, who have shown patches of form in recent weeks but have been unable to sustain the effort across four quarters.
In men’s action, Phoenix and the Spartans square off with both sides coming off uncharacteristic losses last week.
Hobart has mixed its form in the last month and will be looking to strengthen its defence against the NBL1 trio of Callum Barker, Liam Smith, and Jack Stanwix.
Veteran leaders Robbie Inches and Tiri Masunda will need to lead the way, while Jordy Hargrave will have to provide solid support down low and on the boards.
Southern Wolves meet a red-hot Grenadiers to round out the action.
The Grenadiers have taken the competition by storm in the last month, winning three of their last four and making the race for third spot on the ladder interesting in the back half of the season.