Game Preview: UC Capitals v Adelaide Lightning

The Caps Round 3 matchup against the Adelaide Lightning features two teams looking to bounce back from blowout losses in Round 2.

After opening the season with a strong win against the Flyers at John Cain in Round 1, the Caps were confident heading into a much-anticipated clash against the Townsville Fire at the AIS. The contest started off as advertised, with both teams trading blows in the opening minutes, until the Fire used a 15-4 run bridging the first and second quarters to seize control of the game. From there, Townsville flexed their depth cruising to an easy 105-70 victory.

“To come out and play our first home game with an effort like that is not good enough,” said Coach Paul Goriss at the post-game press conference.

“We need to get better as a group and look at this as a starting point that we need a kick up the ass.”

Meanwhile for the Lightning, they actually started out strong against Geelong, leading 25-16 after the first quarter. They even stretched the lead to 36-23 after Dallas Loughridge’s and-1 at the 6:30 mark of the second quarter, but Geelong closed the half on a blistering 25-2 run to lead 48-38 and never looked back.

Through two games one of the biggest bright spots for the Caps is the consistency of Kadi Sissoko. Kadi lead the Caps in scoring (17.5ppg) and rebounding (7rpg) while shooting 50% from the field. Her versatility has been apparent on the offensive end, being able to score inside and out, and being able to take bigger defenders off the dribble and use her speed and athleticism, or post up smaller defenders on switches. Against Adelaide the team will look to her to take advantage of her matchups against Adelaide’s frontcourt.

Defensively, the Caps would need to keep the Lightning’s duo of Dallas Loughridge and Steph Talbot in check. Loughridge, who had a career year with the Flyers last season, has embraced her new featured role in Adelaide, averaging 15 points and 5 assists per game. Meanwhile, Talbot continues to be her all-around self, averaging 13.5 points 7.5 rebounds and 7 assists per game.

Last season, these two teams faced each other three times with the Caps winning twice – including a memorable January game which featured the return of Caps legend Abby Bishop.

Keys to the game:

• Limit the Lightning’s effectiveness from 3: Adelaide shoots the most 3pt attempts in the league, averaging 30 attempts through the season’s first two weeks. While they’re shooting at just under a 33% clip, they have very capable and dangerous shooters that aren’t afraid to let it fly.
• Containing dribble penetration and paint touches: Through two games, the Caps have allowed teams to get to the paint and cause problems. Against the Flyers, Tera Reed continuously got her baskets inside and against Townsville, their Ellis and Woods were able to get two feet in the paint for baskets or kickouts to open 3s. Caps have to limit these opportunities against two very good guards in Loughridge and Talbot.
• Take advantage of size and attack mismatches: Caps have size and length on Adelaide. Kadi, Sara Blicavs, and Nyadiew Puoch all have the size and skill to punish the defense and keep the scoreboard ticking for the Caps.

Key matchup:

• Jade Melbourne v Dallas Loughridge: Another game, another intriguing point guard matchup! While Jade’s scoring has been down to start the season, she’s facilitating the Caps offense and playing solid defensively (4 stocks per game and quietly in the top 5 in blocks). On the other side, Adelaide needs Dallas’ scoring and playmaking in order to have success. If Jade can control and win this point guard matchup, the Caps will be in a good position to take home a W.

Injury notes:

• Zitina Aokuso continues to be OUT for the Caps.
• Zara Russell will not travel to the team due to illness.
• Abby Solway will travel and be available to play.

UC Caps v Adelaide Lightning
3pm AEDT Saturday 1 November at SA State Basketball Centre
Live on 9Go and ESPN

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