Hoops

WNBL Round 4

Hate to point it out but their are actually 3 teams on equal footing Bendigo, Rangers AND Perth Lynx

And it's only round 4

The Bendigo Spirit have stamped their authority in an unpredictable Round 4 of the WNBL, knocking off both powerhouses in the Dandenong Rangers and Townsville Fire on the road to shoot to the top of the table.

WNBL: Bendigo shoot straight to the top

Boomers-Rangers just tipped off http://boomers.cmsaustralasia.com/

Lavey's return has been big. The Lynx thrive when they are pushing the tempo at both ends, and it makes a big difference when you've got 2 guards harassing the opposition's backcourt compared to just one. Tenaya gives us nice depth too - she was a good get. Not sure what her injury is but hopefully nothing too serious.
I think Toni's contribution has been underestimated as well. She has always been very erratic, but this season seems to have found a more consistent role for herself.

I do think we miss Betnijah Laney though. That genuine 3 who can help on the boards and also with the scoring is something we will need against the top teams. That is our obvious deficiency compared to last season.

On paper there are a lot of solid rosters going around. Townsville's still stands out to me as the best, but Perth should be right in the mix with the other teams if we can stay healthy. (Don't get too carried away with yesterday's win though. That was a high-octane team having its way with an inexperienced opponent. None of the other 6 teams will crumble under pressure like that)

Bendigo have been super impressive. Their depth is impressive. They have a host of players that score inside inside/out, and have been in a position to win every game they have played so far.

Massive weekend for Bendigo, yeah. I was certain that the Fire was not going to lose that one at home. Loving the unpredictability this season.
(the exception being Sami, who predictably kicked some serious arse today and would have been pushing a triple double had there not been so much garbage time. Lock her in for a 4th team of the week honour)

2 big wins for bendigo - will be crucial come finals time and defining splits with tied teams.

Reminder: Lynx vs Lightning live coverage starts in just over half an hour (although early signs for the quality of the stream are not promising unfortunately...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E0BkkMhTx8

Fire & Lynx should both win at home, but neither Melbourne team would want to overlook their opponent tonight even though Monday's derby is the big game.

I don't think there's a tougher double right now than road games at Townsville & Dandenong but Bendigo would be desperate to get one of those to avoid slipping to 2-4.

Unusual bit of scheduling with the Monday game and nothing on Saturday.

Still not a peep out of the Lynx yet about replacing Monica Wright. It shouldn't matter at home vs Adelaide but I hope they're out there looking. Tough time to be on the market with all the foreign leagues ramping up.

caps, spirit or rangers could end up 2 games off the top 4 after the weekend - expect some close games. IMO expect plenty of 1-1 results for the teams with 2 games.

First thoughts on the new Overtime program! I liked it but at the same time i think it needs some different segments, guests etc. to liven it up a little. Most of the time they were just going over highlights and things. They should make it similar to the footy show in some ways!