Youth League Ballarat Rush Continue Hot Streak

The Youth League Ballarat Rush has made it 9 wins from their last 10 matches with an outstanding victory over the Geelong Supercats at the MARS® MINERDOME on Sunday.

Also included in their win streak are scalps against ladder-leading Dandenong Rangers, and last season’s champions, the Sandringham Sabres.

The Rush began Sunday’s game slowly, turning the ball over in the early going, and struggling to contain Geelong’s perimeter shooting.

The Supercats established a lead, however a Rush timeout quickly quelled the visitors’ momentum and allowed Ballarat to gain composure and even out the contest.

Rush forward Lydia Brooks got going after a slow start, connecting on three consecutive shots to bring the rush back within a basket. However, Brooks picked up her third foul with a few minutes remaining in the first term and was forced to sit for the majority of the half.

Ballarat continued improving on their poor start, moving the ball well and getting much better looks. Molly Mathews went on a tear in the second quarter, scoring ten points in the period, and giving the Rush a slight lead.

The second half began much like the start of the game, as the Supercats opened up a double-digit advantage.

Just as the game looked to be slipping away, Brooks was reinserted and began stamping her authority on the contest, while Mathews continued to produce on the scoreboard.

Rush youngster Tayla Nulty provided a shooting spark off the bench, drilling a tough three pointer as the game swung the way of the home side.

Completely turning the game around and taking a lead into the final period, the Rush played with more confidence and poise to close out the game.

Ballarat’s Claire Constable hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead and Geelong looked down and out.

A slight late rally gave the Rush a scare, but time ran thin and Ballarat took victory 70-66.

Molly Mathews led the way for the Rush with 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Claire Constable had a great all round game, tallying 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.