SEAFORD, Australia (Interstat) — The Northern Force and Frankston, both with 5-7 records, meet Sunday in a pivotal NBL1 South women’s basketball matchup at Seaford. The game marks the second meeting this season between the two sides, with Frankston winning 83-81 on March 27.

Northern Force enters the contest after an 88-80 victory Saturday at Geelong, snapping a two-game losing streak. Forward Keely Froling has been the catalyst for the Force, averaging 34.7 points and 12.3 rebounds over her last three games. In the win over Geelong, Froling logged 39 minutes, scoring 34 points, grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing two assists. She followed that with a 32-point, 11-rebound performance against Dandenong on May 16 and a 19-point, 15-rebound outing against Diamond Valley on May 15. Froling also posted a 39-point, 11-rebound effort at Kilsyth on May 10. The Force have been inconsistent, with losses to Knox (51-82) and Casey (84-88) earlier in the season sandwiched around a four-game winning streak.

Frankston comes off a 78-86 loss Saturday at Bendigo Braves, their fourth defeat in five games. The Blues have struggled offensively, averaging 62.2 points during that stretch. Forward Maria Barneda has been a bright spot, scoring 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting in 23 minutes against the Braves. Barneda played limited minutes earlier in the season, logging just three minutes in a win over Nunawading on May 2. She will be counted on to provide scoring against a Northern Force defense that has allowed 83.7 points per game over its last three contests.

Sunday’s game carries added importance as both teams jockey for position in the tightly packed NBL1 South standings. The Force have shown offensive firepower, averaging 86.2 points in their five wins, but have struggled to contain opposing offenses, giving up 91.3 points per game in their losses. Frankston has relied on a balanced attack, with six different players scoring in double figures over the past five games, but the Blues have shot just 39.5% from the field in their losses.

The previous matchup between the two teams was decided in the final minutes. Frankston guard Pahlyss Hokianga, who missed that game due to injury, is expected to be available Sunday. Hokianga scored 16 points in the loss to Bendigo on Saturday. Northern Force guard Rebekka Kalaydjiev has been a steady playmaker, averaging 6.7 assists over her last four games.

The Force will look to build on their recent success away from home, having won three of their last four road games. Frankston has dropped three straight at home, including a 70-66 loss to Waverley on May 16. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. local time.