NBL1 North Women’s Championship Series Game 1 Recap

Logan Thunder have taken the first game of the Coles Express NBL1 North Women’s Championship Series with a 75-71 victory over Southern Districts Spartans at Rowland Cowan Stadium on Friday night.

Thunder guard Mikaela Cann scored a game-high 27 points and seven assists to help deliver the Spartans their first loss of the season.

The Logan captain nailed 3 of 4 three-pointers, including two from deep in the first quarter. Cann scored eight first-quarter points as the Thunder jumped out to a 14-9 lead.

The two-seed had strong contributions from forward Chevannah Paalvast (20 points) and guard Ashley Taia (10 points).

Logan centre Mikaela Ruef, who averages an 18 points and 17 rebounds double-double, had an off night from the field (0-10) and made all six points from the free throw line. Ruef still managed to impose her influence on the game as she crashed the boards to tally a game-high 21 rebounds including eight on the offensive end.

Spartans guard Maddison Rocci scored a team-high 18 points and was joined by forward Kalani Purcell (16 points), forward Nadeen Payne (16 points), and Madelyn Willey (13 points) in double figures.

The home side only managed to get to the charity stripe to shoot 3 of 6 free throws, while the visitors made 15 of 24 attempts.

The Grand Final series combatants return to Rowland Cowan Stadium for a 5pm tip-off today (11 September).