Centre of Excellence vs. Canb. Nationals
CANBERRA, Australia (Interstat) — The Centre of Excellence will look to extend its dominance over the Canberra Nationals when the teams meet Friday in a Women’s NBL matchup at the AIS Arena.
Centre (10-4) enters on a six-game winning streak after routing Canberra 93-71 on Thursday. The Nationals (4-8) have lost three of their last four but are coming off back-to-back wins over Hornsby and Central Coast.
Centre forward Lily Mapp has been a force on the glass. In Thursday’s win, she grabbed 22 rebounds and scored 8 points in 22 minutes. Over her last four games, Mapp has averaged 10.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per contest, with a 12-point, 12-rebound effort against Hornsby on May 24. She also recorded four blocks in that game.
Canberra guard Callie Bourne posted a triple-double threat Thursday with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in 34 minutes. She has been the Nationals’ most consistent performer, averaging 16.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists over her last three games. Bourne scored 19 points in consecutive wins May 30-31.
The Nationals are looking to avenge Thursday’s lopsided loss. Centre of Excellence’s depth was on display as Olivia Olechnowicz added 19 points and 4 rebounds, and Jasmine Jones chipped in 11 points off the bench.
Centre’s strong season includes wins over Sydney Comets, Newcastle and Manly Warringah, while Canberra has struggled against top teams, losing to Bankstown and Hills by double digits.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. AEDT.