The Centre of Excellence women have clinched a spot in next weekend’s NBL1 East Preliminary Final with an epic 77 - 69 win over the Albury-Wodonga Bandits at the AIS on Saturday.
It was a rampaging start by the CoE, but the game shifted heavily into the Bandits favour outscoring the women from the 'Tute, 46 – 16 in the middle quarters.
The game hit fever pitch in the fourth quarter and the CoE responded when it mattered.
Jemyma Manyok had six blocks in the matchup and had a key role in neutralising Bandits star, Unique Thompson.
On the scoring front it was an impressive display of many threats. Aspen Crase (15 points) was excellent and had a crucial play late in the fourth, snatching an offensive rebound and sinking the bucket (and hopes of the visitors).
The ever-reliable combo of Isabel Smith (14 points, 4 assists) and Olivia Olechnowicz (14 points, six assists) steadied the nerves for the CoE when the game was on the line.
Eliza Shanahan and Jade Sherrington pushed the Bandits defense. Jas Jones found ways to score and impacted every contest in front of her and Jay Sebasio continues to evolve as a potent, driving offensive weapon.
Myra Donkin was standing in for Mel Downer, with the head coach currently overseas in Europe for coaching academy commitments.
Donkin would have been pleased with the collective fight and deservedly, the CoE women get to take their campaign a step further.
A trip to Sydney next weekend for a Preliminary Final showdown against the Bankstown Bruins.
