Which Nova Scotia team will pack its bags and head to Fredericton next weekend for the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association’s PRO•LINE Legacy Cup championship?
We’ll find out tonight when the Battle of Halifax unfolds.
Host Halifax Thunder welcome Halifax Hornets to Saint Mary’s University in time for a 7 p.m. start.
Thunder finished third in the standings this season at 7-3 and Hornets were 4-6.
This game is a provincial sudden-death outing with the winner moving to the league’s final four.
Thunder won the season series, 2-1.
Here’s your capsule:
Playoff matches
Game 2
Who? – Halifax Hornets (4-6) at Halifax Thunder (7-3)
When? – Friday, June 13, 7 p.m.
Where? – Saint Mary’s University
Head-to-Head – Thunder 2-1 (66-58, Hornets, May 4), (74-38, Thunder, May 21), (58-51, Thunder, May 28).
Points For – Thunder – 744, Hornets – 618
Points Against – Thunder – 630, Hornets – 698
Who to Watch For: Thunder: The offence runs through Alaina McMillan, who spent the winter playing professionally in France. If she doesn’t pass inside, she can she shoot from the outside to keep opponents on alert. Kiera Duffie brings an assortment of weapons, Sami Russell logs a ton of minutes, Sandy Saunders is the type of player who can get hot and stay hot and Sophie Atkinson is yet another weapon. Thunder has a bevy of players who can change the game and keep an eye on Bianca Helmig.
Who to Watch For: Hornets: The Hornets usually rely on Amanda Pearcey, who scored 23 in the loss to Lake City 56ers on Thursday. Katelyn Power can disrupt teams defensively with shot blocks and rebounding prowess. The Hornets can use a bullpen by committee of players, but need secondary scoring from Melina Collins and Lily Francois.
Synopsis: Thunder has been inconsistent offensively this season, but it’s a team that can throw big numbers on the board in a hurry. Hornets have to ensure they stop big runs to keep things close. Anything in the 70s offensive-wise will make it a battle for the Hornets.
– The Battle of Halifax unfolds Friday night. (DWinston Photo)
