Boomers bomb out but Tigers on track
By STEPHEN HOWELL
Saturday 5 February 2000

Melbourne Tigers thwarted a fightback by Bulleen Boomers to win 85-80 at Melbourne Park last night and stay in the hunt for the Women's National Basketball League playoffs.

The loss makes it almost impossible for the Boomers (eight wins, nine losses) to make the four, but the Tigers (9-9) will be seeking a favor from its victim tomorrow - to beat Dandenong Rangers (10-8), who are lying fourth in the ladder.

There is little love lost between the three Melbourne teams. Last night's game was BloodbathII, a follow-up to the rugged affair at Bulleen on 4December, won 62-56 by the Boomers.

This match was hot and fierce, the air-conditioning not on because of power restrictions. (It did, however, come on at 7pm in time for the NBL match.)

Kate Cohen, victim of a strong screen in the first game, copped another tough one, this time from Michelle Griffiths with seven minutes and thirty seconds to play in the first half. She was helped up and taken to the bench but returned a few minutes later.

The team took an even harder body blow from the Tigers, led by guard Kristi Harrower (13points and eight assists) and talls Kristin Folkl (25points, eight rebounds) and Griffiths (17, six).

Griffiths took Jenny Whittle (13points) out of the game after the Boomers centre had scored 10 of Bulleen's first 12points. Natalie Porter scored 24.

The Tigers moved 11points clear halfway through the second half, but Bulleen fought back to one behind on a three-point play by Whittle with 55seconds to go.

Melbourne, though, hit four out of six from the foul line to hold on.