Mountain still to climb
Too many errors cost us dearly
It did not end with the result home fans wanted but the Toowoomba Mountaineers and Northside Wizards played out a QSL 1 Women’s competition thriller on Sunday.
The lead changed hands 16 times throughout the contest with both sides evenly matched before the Wizards secured a well-earned 78-64 win.
FREE-THROW WOES
The Mountaineers were on the wrong side of a 24-16 foul count and it ultimately cost them a shot at winning the match.
Shooting at a crisp 73.33 per cent from the free throw line the Wizards hit 22 of their 30 shots from the charity stripe.
In stark contrast the Mountaineers made just 10 of their 18 attempts (55.56 per cent) from the line.
Free throws are a simple and easy way to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and the Mountaineers’ woes from the line made it hard for them to build pressure.
MISSED EARLY CHANCES
Coach Matt Cox’s pre-game brief would no doubt have focused on “early control” with the Wizards backing up after a 81-68 loss to the Brisbane Capitals the night before.
The opening five minutes of the match were scrappy as both teams tried to establish their rhythm and shapes at both ends of the court before the Wizards took control.
The Mountaineers had enough chances to score early but missed lay-ups and jump shots cost the home side, who trailed 10-1 five minutes into the first quarter.
The visiting Wizards deserve credit for their gritty defence at times but the Mountaineers missed a few sitters close to the basket.
If the circumstances were reversed, a 10-1 Mountaineers
lead early could’ve easily rattled the visitors and helped the home side secure a key win.
INBOUND WOES
The Wizards capitalised on the Mountaineers’ defensive lapses at the set-up piece.
On more than a few occasions it appeared as though some Mountaineers players were set up for player-to-player coverage while others were lining up in a zone coverage.
The Wizards pounced to score some easy points off inbound passes.
Communication is key, particularly in the moments right before play restarts, and the Mountaineers need to sharpen up a little in that area.
TIGHTER CONTROL
Last season, the Mountaineers were a team who were comfortable pushing the ball up court on the fast break and slowing it down to establish their half court offensive game.
It’s a handy skill to have but the Mountaineers needed to settle on the ball more on Sunday.
Too often they pushed passes a little early and turned the ball over or lost control on the dribble as they tried to push the pace a little too early in the play.
The Wizards scored just four points off turnovers but the Mountaineers definitely do need to tighten up their game there.
CABALLERO MAGIC
Despite starting on the bench, Paula Ortiz Caballero finished as the game’s leading scorer.
Caballero finished with 24, shooting at exactly 50 per cent.
The talented and experienced guard looks primed to be a key player for the Mountaineers going forward.