Winless Teams Clash as Willetton Visits Perth Redbacks

NORTHBRIDGE, Australia (Interstat) — Two teams seeking their first victory of the NBL1 West women’s season will meet Friday when the Willetton Tigers face the Perth Redbacks at Northbridge Basketball Centre.

Both sides enter the contest with 0-2 records across all competitions. The matchup represents a critical early opportunity to reverse momentum in the Australian professional league.

Willetton is coming off a 96-76 road loss to Cockburn on April 2. Guard Emma Gandini, a key player to watch, led the Tigers in that defeat with 18 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes. She is averaging 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists through two games. Guard Ruby Porter added a team-high 21 points against Cockburn.

The Perth Redbacks also fell on April 2, dropping an 82-74 decision to Southwest. Their performance was anchored by forward Ella Barmentloo, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Barmentloo, averaging 11.0 points and 11.0 rebounds this season, will be a focal point for the Redbacks’ interior play. Shenae Hartree provided 17 points in the loss.

Each team’s other defeat came in late March. Willetton fell 86-70 to East Perth on March 28, while the Redbacks were defeated 98-71 by Cockburn on March 27.

The game will tip off at 6:30 p.m. local time. Following this contest, Willetton’s next game is at home against Mandurah on April 18. The Redbacks will host Warwick on April 17 before a road game at Cockburn on April 18.