
17
May
East Women's Digest
Unconscious! Lupfer buries 12 threes and the Crusaders
NBL East Conference Round 7 — May, 17, 2025: Riley Lupfer's 41-point explosion for Albury
- Riley Lupfer erupts for 41 points, including 12 three-pointers, in Albury Wodonga's 111-67 demolition of Central Coast
- Carla Pitman delivers all-around masterclass with 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists as Norths Bears defeat BA CoE
- Taylor Wurtz catches fire with 28 points and 8-from-16 shooting from deep in Manly's convincing win against Maitland
Manly Warringah vs Maitland
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (4-3) dominated the Maitland Mustangs (2-5) 91-64 at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre. Taylor Wurtz delivered an outstanding performance with 28 points on efficient shooting, including 8-from-16 from deep, while Kimberley Hodge posted a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Manly controlled the contest from the outset, building a lead that stretched to 35 points. The Sea Eagles were lethal from beyond the arc, connecting on 44.8% of their three-point attempts compared to Maitland's 40%. Manly also dominated the glass with a 50-42 rebounding advantage, including 17 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points, as the Mustangs struggled offensively, shooting just 32.3% from the field.
Norths Bears vs BA CoE
The Norths Bears (5-2) secured an 88-74 victory over Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (3-4) at North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre. Carla Pitman was exceptional with a game-high 25 points, adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists, while Ruby Perkins contributed an efficient 17 points on 85.7% shooting from the field.
This victory marked Norths' fourth consecutive win, solidifying their position in the top four. Despite outstanding performances from BA CoE's Zara Russell (30 points) and Sitaya Fagan (23 points, 16 rebounds), the Bears' balanced attack proved decisive. Norths dominated the offensive glass (22-16), knocked down eight triples, and converted 18 fast-break points while forcing 18 turnovers to maintain control throughout the final quarter.
Bankstown vs Hills
The Bankstown Bruins (5-2) defeated the Hills Hornets (2-5) 91-75 at Bankstown Basketball Stadium. Jane Dunlop and Sienna Tutani led the scoring for Bankstown with 19 points each, while Jada Rice added a double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
Bankstown's three-point shooting was exceptional, connecting on 52.2% from deep compared to Hills' 36.4%. The Bruins' dominance on the boards (53-35) and inside play (40-20 points in the paint) provided the foundation for the victory. Despite Jade Kirisome's 20-point effort for Hills, Bankstown's superior rebounding and defensive pressure (12 steals) created a 21-point advantage at its peak, securing their third consecutive win.
Newcastle vs Hornsby KuRingGai
The Newcastle Hunters (5-2) outlasted the Hornsby KuRingGai Bears (1-6) 84-72 at The Brickpit. Sophie Brennan led Newcastle with 20 points, including 5-from-8 from three-point range, while Nicole Munger recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Newcastle's three-point proficiency proved decisive, making 11 triples at a 37.9% clip compared to Hornsby's 14.8% accuracy from deep. Despite Jessie May Hall's stellar performance (21 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals) for Hornsby, the Hunters maintained control throughout most of the contest behind strong rebounding (62-48) and balanced scoring, with four players reaching double figures as they pulled away in the fourth quarter.
Canberra vs Illawarra
The Canberra Nationals (5-2) edged the Illawarra Hawks (3-4) 76-68 at The Snakepit Stadium. Carlie Smith dominated with a masterful 24 points and 21 rebounds, while Jasmyn Boutzos added 13 points, including 4-from-8 from three-point range.
This back-and-forth contest featured 15 lead changes before Canberra pulled away late. The Nationals excelled on the offensive glass, securing 18 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points. Despite Kiara Bell's double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds) for Illawarra, Canberra's superior three-point shooting (32.1% to 26.3%) and rebounding edge (47-43) proved the difference in this crucial matchup between playoff contenders.
Sutherland vs Sydney
The Sydney Flames (4-3) defeated the Sutherland Sharks (1-6) 79-65 at Sutherland Basketball Stadium. Piper Anderson caught fire with 27 points, including 6-from-16 from beyond the arc, while Mikayla Pirini recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.
Sydney controlled the pace throughout, building a lead that reached 21 points. The Flames' hot perimeter shooting (10-from-35 from deep) contrasted with Sutherland's struggles from long range (5-from-25). Despite Madeleine Norris' outstanding double-double (20 points, 13 rebounds) for Sutherland, Sydney's dominance on the boards (54-44) and superior ball movement (22 assists) allowed them to pull away in the second half, securing their third win in four games.
Central Coast vs Albury Wodonga
The Albury Wodonga Bandits (6-1) steamrolled the Central Coast Crusaders (0-7) 111-67 at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. Riley Lupfer delivered a historic performance with 41 points, including a remarkable 12-from-16 from three-point range, while Caitlyn Jones contributed 24 points and 7 assists.
This contest was never in doubt as Albury Wodonga's spectacular shooting (50% from the field, 48.5% from three) overwhelmed Central Coast. The Bandits' lead ballooned to 45 points during the game. Despite Elizajane Loader's 23-point effort for the Crusaders, Albury Wodonga dominated every facet, including rebounds (57-41), assists (23-11), and points in transition. Brynn Masikewich added a double-double with 15 points and 18 rebounds as the Bandits maintained their position atop the standings.
Penrith vs Inner West
Inner West (6-1) overpowered the Penrith Panthers (1-6) 103-69 at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. Kristina Moore delivered a stellar performance with 30 points on 60% shooting, including 5-from-8 from three-point territory, while Tahlia Tupaea added 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Inner West's offensive firepower was too much for Penrith, as the Gladiators connected on 18-from-38 from beyond the arc (47.4%) compared to the Panthers' 3-from-21 (14.3%). Despite Jordan Vasquez's efficient 17 points and Mia Heide's double-double (14 points, 16 rebounds) for Penrith, Inner West's balanced attack and stifling defense built a 36-point advantage. Tylah Mundine contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Gladiators remained tied for first place in the standings.
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