Match Report: Fourth Quarter Fightback Powers Chargers Women to First Win of the Season The Hobart Chargers claimed their first win of the 2026 NBL1 South Women’s season in fitting fashion on Saturday evening, rising to the occasion with a composed 75-69

The Hobart Chargers claimed their first win of the 2026 NBL1 South Women’s season in fitting fashion on Saturday evening, rising to the occasion with a composed 75-69 victory over Northern Force at MyState Bank Arena. 

Playing on Tasmania’s premier indoor sporting stage as part of a one-off Tasmanian Basketball Showcase, the Chargers delivered when it mattered most, overturning a halftime deficit with defensive grit and late-game execution in front of a strong home crowd.

The occasion carried added significance, marking the first-ever meeting between the Chargers and the Northern Force, as well as celebrating 30 years of Hobart Chargers basketball. For the Chargers women’s side, the opportunity to compete under lights at MyState Bank Arena provided both inspiration and expectation, and they answered it.

Northern Force set the early tone, capitalising on second-chance opportunities and interior scoring through Keely Froling and Parker Hill. Hobart worked hard to stay in touch, with Tishara Morehouse aggressive in transition and Portia Chopping providing an early perimeter threat, but turnovers and the Force’s efficiency around the basket allowed the visitors to build momentum.

Despite a late lift from the Chargers, Northern Force closed the opening period on top, holding a 27-18 advantage at quarter time.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Hobart lifted their defensive pressure, with Tyia Singleton active on the boards and Chloe Broomhall imposing herself defensively, but Northern Force continued to control the tempo. Froling asserted herself inside and at the free-throw line, while contributions from Millie Baker and Sarah O’Neill helped the visitors maintain their composure.

Sharna Thompson attacked the rim with purpose, repeatedly drawing contact to keep Hobart within reach, while Morehouse continued to create scoring opportunities off the dribble. Still, Northern Force were able to maintain control, taking a 49-33 lead into the main break.

Hobart emerged from halftime with renewed intent. The Chargers tightened up defensively and began to generate cleaner looks offensively, sparked by Morehouse’s aggression downhill. A pair of baskets from Broomhall steadied the home side, while Singleton and Thompson lifted the energy on both ends of the floor.

Northern Force briefly stemmed the tide through O’Neill and Baker, but Hobart’s defensive intensity began to tell. Improved ball pressure forced a series of turnovers, and the Chargers’ attack became more decisive inside the paint. By the end of the third quarter, Hobart had clawed back momentum, trimming the deficit to 60-52 and setting the stage for a dramatic final term.

The final quarter belonged to the Chargers. Hobart opened the quarter with belief, with Broomhall and Emerson Wells finishing strongly inside to close the gap. Morehouse delivered a crucial three-pointer midway through the quarter before continuing to attack the lane, forcing defensive rotations and creating opportunities for her teammates.

Captain Sharna Thompson delivered in the biggest moments. She knocked down a timely three to give Hobart the lead before converting a series of late free throws under pressure, calmly icing the game as Northern Force were forced to foul.

Defensively, Hobart stood tall down the stretch. Key stops from Singleton, Broomhall, and Thompson limited Northern Force to just nine points in the final quarter, with missed shots and turnovers halting any late push from the visitors.

The Chargers closed the game with composure, sealing a 75-69 win and snapping their four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion.

Tishara Morehouse led the Chargers with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in a standout all-round performance. Thompson finished with 16 points and was decisive late, while Broomhall contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, anchoring Hobart’s defence. Tyia Singleton added a strong nine points and 11 rebounds.

For Northern Force, Keely Froling recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Sarah O’Neill added 13.

The victory delivers Hobart their first win of the season. It was a performance that reflected the significance of the night and provided a platform for the Chargers to build momentum moving forward.