Preview: East Perth at Warwick in NBL Women’s Clash

PERTH, Australia (Interstat) — An early-season showdown between unbeaten East Perth and a surging Warwick squad highlights Friday’s NBL Women’s slate at Perth Arena.

The visiting East Perth (2-0) enters with momentum after a dominant 111-80 victory over Mandurah last Saturday. Warwick (2-1), playing on its home floor, has won two straight, including a 92-68 road win at Kalamunda last Thursday.

East Perth’s attack is powered by guard Stacey Barr, who is averaging 22.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists through two games. She nearly recorded a triple-double against Mandurah, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. She is complemented by guards Jasmin Fejo and Sydney Wright, who each scored 24 points in the team’s last outing.

Warwick will counter with forward Natalie Burton, a consistent interior force averaging 14.5 points and nine rebounds per game. She posted a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Perry Lakes on March 26. Guard Chloe Forster, who scored 20 points against Kalamunda, provides perimeter scoring.

The matchup pits East Perth’s high-octane offense, which has averaged 98.5 points per game, against a Warwick defense that has held its last two opponents to an average of 67.5 points.

Warwick’s lone loss came against Cockburn last August. East Perth seeks its third straight win to solidify its strong start before a road game at Joondalup City next Friday. Warwick faces a quick turnaround, visiting the Perth Redbacks next Friday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time.