Women’s NBL Preview: Canb. Nationals at Hills

BAULKHAM HILLS, Australia (Interstat) — The Canb. Nationals will look to snap a three-game losing streak Sunday when they visit Hills at Baulkham Hills in an NBL1 South women’s basketball matchup.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. local time.

Canb. Nationals (2-4) have dropped four of their past five, including a 67-49 loss to Albury Wodonga on May 2. Hills (3-4) is coming off an 84-81 victory Saturday at Syd. Comets, snapping a two-game skid.

The Nationals have struggled offensively, averaging 57.7 points in their past three losses. Their lone win since late March came April 25 against Penrith, when they shot 42% from the field.

Forward Callie Bourne has been a bright spot. The guard logged 40 minutes against Albury Wodonga, posting 14 points and 15 rebounds (Interstat) — her third double-double of the season. In a win over Penrith, Bourne finished with 5 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists. She leads the team in rebounding and ranks among the NBL1 South leaders in minutes played.

The Nationals will rely on forward Allison Day, who contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds in the Albury loss, and center Skye Rees, who adds interior presence.

Hills relies on guard Kennedy Johnson, who has been on a scoring surge. Johnson scored 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting with 6 rebounds and 5 assists against Syd. Comets. She had 10 points and 6 rebounds versus Northern Suburbs and 15 points with 3 rebounds against Central Coast.

Center Brooke Bjelko recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Syd. Comets, while swing player Jade Kirisome added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Defensively, Hills has allowed an average of 77 points over its past three defeats. The unit forced 14 turnovers in the win Saturday but surrendered 42% shooting.

Both teams are in the middle of a crowded NBL1 South standings. A win Sunday would give either side a needed boost as the season approaches its midpoint.

Canb. Nationals next faces Bankstown at home May 16. Hills hosts Centre of Excellence on May 16.