Wildcats secure Super League playoff spot with impressive win
Wildcats Tiarra Brown just gets to the ball ahead of Panthers Shauna Dooley.
The STS-sponsored SETU Wildcats made it three consecutive wins in their final home game of the season with a comfortable 82-55 victory over Portlaoise Panthers.
On recent form, the Wildcats were expected to win this encounter as the Portlaoise side has struggled all season.
However, the early minutes of the game saw the visitors race to a 9-2 lead after four minutes, as the Wildcats looked flat, missing early scoring opportunities. Gradually, they got into their stride and were ahead 17-13 as the opening quarter ended, with Kate Hickey and Sanija Brikmane their main contributors.
As the game progressed, the hard-working Panthers got more into the game and matched the Wildcats' best efforts before Mel Stone, Alyssa Durazo and Sarah Hickey all blazed three-pointers to put distance between the teams, as the Wildcats led 42-29 at the halfway stage.
The game had scarcely restarted when Orla Dullaghan and Helena Rohan added further to Wildcats total. Gradually, their advantage grew as Sarah Hickey and Alyssa Durazo hit many wonderful baskets, putting their team up by 18 points (65-47) with the final quarter to play.
Panthers battled away with a couple of unanswered baskets before Adriana Shallci swished a long-range three-pointer. Moments later, Mel Stone and Alyssa Durazo hit more threes, and the game was as good as over with 5 minutes to play.
One Wildcats player who was outstanding all game was Tiarra Brown, who not only contributed handsomely to the scoreboard but also had many amazing rebounds, which enhanced a superb defensive display.
The final score of 82-55 guarantees the Wildcats a place in the Super League playoffs, even with 2 games remaining. Both games are away to Father Matthews of Cork this Saturday, and the following Saturday they are on the road to Dublin to face Killester BC.
The outcomes of these two games, plus results elsewhere, will determine who the Wildcats face in those playoffs mid-March.
