2023 NBL1 West - Round 5 Game Review

Your Chambers Franklyn City of Joondalup Wolves complete Round 5 stronger than ever 

For the Wolves, round 5 of the NBL1 West season began on the road for the second and final matchup against the East Perth Eagles. The Wolfpack women seemed to have defence in mind to start the game as rebounds and steals came in bunches. Teige Morrell had 3 of her total 5 blocks in the first quarter alone helping to lift the Wolves to a 7-point advantage.

The East Perth Eagles made a run to close the gap in the second quarter with big three’s made by Madison Torresin and Taylor Roberts however, game MVP Robbi Ryan had another plan in mind by scoring 14 of the team’s 20 points for the quarter in just 5 minutes of playing time to maintain the lead heading into the second half.

The Wolves had a dominant second half holding the Eagles to just 25 points to the Wolves 49 Winning the game 88-60.

The men fight back in Over-time to secure the win

Starting the game with a 3 by Mathiang Muo the Wolves were ready to get another win on the tally after defeating the Bunbury Slammers the previous week. The East Perth Eagles weren’t ready to back down and put up a fight, hungry to get their first win of the season in front of their home crowd.

Game MVP CJ Turnage had a huge night on the boards, pulling in a team high 14 rebounds whilst blocking 3 shots for the game. Gabriel Chadinha was a spark off the bench in the second quarter, scoring two quick threes however much of the team struggled from range leading to a 6-point deficit at half-time.

Down 10 points with 4 minutes remaining the Wolves needed an answer which came in the form of an all-round effort from the Wolves. Clutch three’s by Mathiang Muo and Quintin Dove and critical rebounds by Bryan Michaels, Jordan Wellsteed and CJ Turnage helped to even the score at 82-82 leading to overtime. Now on a roll, the Wolfpack men kept the fire burning and pushed to a 6-point advantage, winning the game 96-90.

The women dominate in front of a HBF Arena Home-Crowd.

The Chambers Franklyn City of Joondalup Wolves started with a terrific 30-point first quarter which opened an early 18-point advantage over the Goldfields Giants. Almost everyone had an influence in the scoring column with five players scoring in double-figures, including 13 points from former Goldfields Giant Emma Klasztorny and 14 from Shani Amos. Laniesha Paddon and Jo Odude got in on the scoring action off the bench combining for 7 points.

Teige Morrell had 14 points, 9 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play and game MVP Neseya Parker-Williams pulled in a game high 12 rebounds combined with efficient shooting from range. Robbi Ryan put on a show, scoring at will from everywhere on the court for a total of 25 points and 6 assists.

Shani Amos was a defensive stand out, grabbing 4 steals for the game which held the Giants to just 2 points in the third. The Wolves won the game 106-38, securing their 7^th consecutive victory for the season.

The men climb back in the third quarter for another home game victory.  

The Wolfpack have secured consecutive victories on the road and now need a win at home to cement themselves as a top contender in the West. Slow to start the Wolves were struggling to put the ball in the hoop from 2-point territory, however the three ball was dropping efficiently with contributions from Brody England, Jordan Wellsteed, Mathiang Muo and Bryan Michaels.

Turnovers plagued the team in the second quarter with 7 within 10 minutes of play. Bryan Michaels’ defensive pressure created opportunities to close the gap, stealing the ball and making shots on the other end, however the Giants late quarter run kept the Wolves down 35-49 at half time.

Down 14, the men were ready to make a statement. Game MVP Jordan Wellsteed was critical in securing second chance efforts for the Wolfpack, who pulled down a game total 15 rebounds (6 offensive), lighting the spark the team needed to go on their 30-7 run. Mathiang Muo was lights out from range again hitting 4 of his total 6 threes in the third and created opportunities for others with a couple of creative assists to Quintin Dove.

The Wolves continued to maintain pressure in the fourth despite a strong effort from the Giants to regain the advantage. The Wolfpack won the game 90-82.

The Wolves take on the Willeton Tigers this Friday at HBF Arena! Secure your tickets by visiting bit.ly/Wolvestickets