3/4/14

The Integra Ballarat Rush are looking to continue their strong start to the season as they take on the Nunawading Lady Spectres this Saturday evening.

The Rush played their first game of the 2014 SEABL season last weekend in Brisbane. After trailing for most of the game, they were able to fight from behind in the fourth quarter, and send the game into overtime, where they would eventually win it, 87-82.

Steph Cumming led the effort in the victory against the Lady Spartans. Cumming played the entire game, scoring 27 points, giving out six assists, and shooting an outstanding 90% from the free throw line. Sophie Alexander was also a bright spot for the Rush, bringing in 20 points and 12 rebounds in the contest. Captain Kristy Rinaldi was in fine form as well, with 13 points and 11 rebounds to add to the total and contribute to the Rush win.

The Lady Spectres have been an early pick as top contenders in the league, and look to be a challenging match-up for the Rush this weekend. They are led by Rebecca Cole, who had a strong round 2 on their Tasmanian road trip, averaging 21 points and five rebounds in the two wins on the weekend. Eleanor Brentnall, captain for the Lady Spectres, has had a quiet season insofar, but has proven herself to be a dominant force in the paint, and will have to be a point of focus if the Rush want to enjoy any success this weekend.

Also for the Lady Spectres are exciting guard Rebecca Allen, and young gun from the Australian Institute of Sport, Alanna Smith. Coming off of a fantastic WNBL season, Allen joined the Lady Spectres for the second game of their Tasmanian road trip, and came off the bench to contribute 18 points in their winning efforts. Smith, only averaging 18 minutes of play for both games in round 2, managed to contribute an average of 18 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Lady Spectres.

All starters for the Rush scored in double figures in their win at Brisbane, and need the same collective effort to secure a win against Nunawading. Moreover, contribution from the Ballarat bench will be a key factor, as depth is an advantage the Lady Spectres hold over the Rush.

Tip-off for the Rush begins at 6pm, followed by the Miners taking on the Spectres from 8pm at the MARS® MINERDOME.

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