Sutherland vs. Bankstown
CONDELL PARK, Australia (Interstat) — The Bankstown Bruins, winners of five straight, host the Sutherland Sharks in a Women’s NBL matchup Sunday at Condell Park.
Bankstown (6-2) enters with the league’s best record, while Sutherland (3-2) looks to rebound from a 79-75 home loss to Newcastle on May 2.
A key figure for the Sharks is forward Madeleine Norris. In that defeat, Norris logged 40 minutes with 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks. She also posted 12 points and 14 rebounds in a 30-point win at Illawarra on April 25. Norris averages nearly a double-double across her last three outings.
Bankstown counters with guard Tahlia Tupaea, who has been a consistent performer during the Bruins’ surge. Tupaea tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks in an 82-65 home win against Manly Warringah on Saturday. She also contributed 20 points and eight assists in a victory over Hornsby on April 19.
The Bruins are coming off six games in 11 days, including a 99-43 demolition of Inner West on April 25. Shyla Heal added 18 points and 10 assists in the Manly win, and Margot de Freitas chipped in 13 points and six rebounds.
Sutherland last played May 2, with Abigail Curtin scoring 24 points to go with five rebounds and four assists in 40 minutes. The Sharks have split their last four contests, but their two losses came against teams (.500 or better).
Tipoff is 3 p.m. local time.