Giants’ women back in the winners’ circle as NBL1 West finals approach

Goldfields Giants’ women’s squad edged closer to a maiden berth in the NBL1 West finals when star American Delaynie Byrne complemented a 40-point game with 14 rebounds that powered a 91-84 win on Saturday against the visiting Perry Lakes Hawks at Evolution Mining Stadium.

And fellow import Sierra Moore excelled in her return from injury while racking-up 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a steal, as the Giants retained a place in the top-six with just two games left of the qualifying series.

The result broke a four-game losing sequence and with a 9-9 win-loss record they hold down sixth place by a game over Lakeside Lightning.

Perth Redbacks are eighth with seven wins — a game clear of Joondalup Wolves, who take on the Giants this Saturday at Evolution Mining Stadium.

Hazelle Yam was also a solid contributor for the Giants, with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

The team’s earlier struggles had coincided with Moore’s absence, with head coach Jaymi Worthington lauding her trump card’s impact in her return from a sprained ankle.

“Everyone’s saying we’ve secured a finals spot,” Worthington said as the group closes in on a slice of club history.

“But until I see it (officially) posted on the NBL1 website I’ll wait, and hopefully we can clinch that this weekend.

“On Saturday, Sierra came out and scored the first eight points, and we’re all just that happy that she’s pushed through for the team because ankle injuries can be troublesome for quite a while.

“She sets high standards and it was amazing to have her back out on the court — just having that feeling restored that we felt earlier in the season, of being balanced.

“And Delaynie went out and had her best game for us which was phenomenal, and Lexi (Pana) had 12 assists which is unheard of.

“Everyone played some great minutes and we just had that balance returned — when we looked like a great team, had everyone working very well together, and our ball movement was much better.

“We were getting the ball through hands and having great shots, rather than being forced.

“It was nice to watch.”

The squad’s latest win was built on a solid first half that was rewarded with a 52-37 lead — backed-up by an overall conversion rate of 52 per cent from the field.

It proved critical after the Hawks won the second half, 47-39, but went at just 41 per cent.

“We knew they’d probably come back at us hard because they’re still a good side, despite being low on the ladder,” Worthington said.

Ladder:

Cougars (15-2); Flames (14-4); Eagles (14-5); Senators (12-6); Magic (11-6); Giants (9-9); Lightning (8-10); Redbacks (7-10); Wolves (6-12); Hawks (6-12); Suns (6-12); Tigers (4-14); Slammers (3-15).