Superb Start for Rush: Thrifty Road Game Review

The Integra Ballarat Rush kicked off the start of their 2014 SEABL season with a thrilling overtime win in Brisbane against the Lady Spartans.

Steph Cumming was outstanding in her debut game for the Rush, scoring 27 points, while dishing out six assists and pulling down six rebounds.

Contribution from the Rush was solid across the board with all of the starters scoring in double figures, including double-double efforts from Sophie Alexander (20 points, 12 rebounds) and captain Kristy Rinaldi (13 points, 11 rebounds).

The Rush trailed by nine points going into the half, due to the Lady Spartans’ Sarah Graham, who ended up with 27 points, shooting 40% from behind the arc, and Olivia Thompson, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

After a pretty even-scoring third period, the Rush rallied together to outscore the Lady Spartans 28-15 in the fourth period, and send the game into overtime.

Brisbane seemed to have the momentum to start the extra period, scoring just 10 seconds into its start and getting to the free throw line early by drawing three quick fouls against the Rush. However, it was Ballarat’s collective tenacity that would allow them to come out on top.

With two minutes remaining, and the Rush down 78-79, Cumming would drive and score to put the Rush up, 80-79. From there, the Rush never looked back, scoring seven more points after that, and running a strong defense that only allowed the Lady Spartans a desperation 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining in the game. The Rush would hold on to win in overtime, 87-82.

The Rush are back in action Saturday night as they host the Nunawading Spectres at the MARS® MINERDOME at 6pm.

Thank you to Thrifty Ballarat for helping out with all our travel needs.