China was too strong for the Bulleen Boomers WNBL team in their match up last night, winning 78-60 in front of a packed Veneto Club crowd.
Above: Bulleen and Opals star Elyse Penaluna
In what was a physical and spirited encounter, the Boomers were unable to overcome the size and scoring power of the Chinese Women’s National Team.
It was the first game at the helm for Head Coach Tom Maher, coaching against the team he led to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Bulleen were playing without Captain Desi Glaubitz and star recruit Liz Cambage, so it was left to young Opal Elyse Penaluna to step up and lead the way for the home side.
“I think we still have a lot of learning to do.” Said Penaluna - of the Boomers preparation thus far for the upcoming season.
“We haven’t actually had a practice together, so… once we’ve trained together and got a few of our sets down, I think we’ll be a pretty tough team.”
Playing against such a professional outfit in China, Penaluna said she believed it could only benefit the younger Boomers to have experienced this game leading into the new season.
“Playing in an international game is so much harder - a lot more physical.” She said.
“Just having this practice match is going to make them see how much farther we have to go, and how we are going to have to play in the WNBL next season.”
The game program warned us of the deadly outside shooting of Chinese guard, Bian Lan, who had hit 21 points against the Opals only two nights previous.
Once more she ended with a game high 21 points, hitting five of nine from long range, one an off balance NBA range shot on the halftime buzzer.
Above: Chinese star guard Bian Lan
Lui Dan, one of six centre’s listed on the Chinese roster, was also impressive all game, scoring on numerous strong post moves on her way to 15 points and 11 rebounds.
But it was her battle with Bulleen and Australia Opals star Elyse Penaluna that was the highlight of the night, the two fighting on both ends of the floor throughout the second half.
Asked if she enjoyed the physicality, Penaluna was not backwards in declaring her love for a scrap.
“Yeah, absolutely. The Chinese love to dish out a few cheap shots, but we just take that on, you know and keep playing.
“Oh, and give it back a bit.”
In what was her third encounter with the travelling Chinese in a week, Penaluna could feel the benefits to her game personally.
“I think it’s really helped playing them once up in Canberra and then again down in Geelong on Monday.
“It’s definitely helped me to show the girls that I can lead a bit on the court.”
And things look good for Boomers off the court too, the stands of their home floor filled with young and old alike watching their heroes.
“It was awesome to see everyone get out and support us against China, so hopefully we get that [level of support] for the season, and have a great year.”
China's Wei Wei, at 207cm (closest to Camera) made a brief appearance late in the game
Match Report
Elyse Penaluna hit the Boomers first five points of the game, before both sides defensive pressure got on top. A scoring barrage by China gave them 16-7 lead, thanks to back to back triples from Bian Lan and a sweet assist from her on the basket after that. Sharin Milner (13 points) settled after an early spell on the bench, finding Lisa Pardon with a great pass for three points, bringing the Chinese lead back to 18-14 at quarter time.
The second term started with Lisa Pardon (12 points) hitting another long range basket, off a steal by Elyse Penaluna. Three straight baskets by Bulleen helped them take a 21-20 lead, before the Boomers had a few shots roll out, and the Chinese capitalised with three consecutive baskets of their own.
A three point play by Chinese centre, Lui Dan gave the visitors a 34-26 lead, followed by a terrific tip in by Lisa Pardon, sparking the crowd. But Bulleen’s momentum was halted after a jump ball with only three seconds left in the half gave possession to the Chinese. This led to yet another Bian Lan basket, as she scrambled to collect, shoot and hit a long range three ball on the buzzer. 40-28 China.
Both sides came out to start the second half with tough defence, including a terrific Elyse Penaluna block and takeaway. It was the great battle between the Boomers centre and the Chinese Centre Lui Dan that highlighted the third term. Both were going back and forth against each other, ripping down rebounds, clearing space for team mates in the paint, and making some body crunching post moves. At the end of three China held the same advantage as halftime, 57-45.
In the final term the Chinese lead grew. In what became a scrappy affair, the Bulleen side couldn’t get the deficit back under the 12 point margin. The final term saw the Chinese side hit with an offensive foul call that sent their head coach Sun Fengwu storming onto the court in protest, before his players were also hit with both a technical and unsportsmanlike foul in two separate incidents to finish of the game.
Kylie Reid continued her battle for rebounding inches in the paint, while Sharin Milner hit a couple of baskets, including a very nice drive off a hesitation dribble. The tallest player on the Chinese roster, Wei Wei (207cm) also made an appearance in the final term, but the lead was never really in doubt, as a Lauren Pearce Bulleen basket on the final buzzer saw the visiting team China take out the game 78-60.
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