Murray, Crawford in for Flames and Heat
STAR guard Mia Murray is confident her troublesome back can be managed for the rest of the Queensland Basketball League season with the Townsville Heat and Flames to both welcome back key pieces for Saturday night’s home clash with Rockhampton.
Murray has missed the last five games but thanks largely to the dominance of young centre Darcee Garbin, Townsville are still sixth on the table with a 4- 3 record.
Fire WNBL veteran Murray received some favourable news on her injury this week and believes she can make it through the rest of the campaign without any more setbacks.
The Heat will also welcome back Peter Crawford after a short stint out with an ankle complaint.
“I had scans on Tuesday and it looks like it’s not as bad as we initially thought,” Murray said.
“There’s just going to be a bit of pain there but not any considerable damage. At this stage I’ve been cleared to go ( for the season). I’ll play and manage my load as it comes.
“The priority is to play, get through what I can during the week and make sure I’m on the court on the weekend.”
Garbin had a huge game in the Flame’s loss at Rockhampton three weeks ago, racking up 31 points and 10 rebounds against a line- up featuring Opals big and former WNBL Most Valuable Player Abby Bishop.
Murray believes being a “go to” player for the Flames will help Garbin step up her game as a bench back- up to Fire big names Suzy Batkovic and Cayla George for the Fire.
“She had a great game ( in Rockhampton), she was super aggressive and was taking it hard at the basket and when her shot was wide open, she knocked down the three,” Murray said. “It was just a really crafty game from Darcee, she put it together at both ends of the floor and is having a great season.
“That’s because she’s been working super hard in the gym and is getting stronger and getting her numbers up on court away from training and away from games.”
Import Shanavia Dowdell is back in Cyclones colours and has played the last two games, adding to the visitor’s arsenal.
Crawford said his left ankle should be right to go as the fifth- placed Heat shoot for a fifth straight win.
“The ankle feels OK, it’s going to be a bit sore but it should be fine to go,” Crawford said.
US import Demond Watt didn’t play for the Cyclones when the Heat beat them 92- 81 in Rockhampton.
“This is a big match up for us, they’ve just got another import and he’s pretty solid so they’re going to be tough,” Crawford said.
“He’s been playing in the BBL in England and I think Jamell ( Anderson) and Josh ( Wilcher) both know of him ( having played in the league), if not have played against him.
“They play Cairns tonight night and then travel four hours to play us, and winning home games in a 17- game season is huge.”
QBL round eight: Townsville v Rockhampton at Murray Stadium, Saturday night ( women 6pm, men 8pm)