Giants women run Willetton close but ultimately fall short

Goldfields Giants women’s coach Jaymi Worthington has challenged her players to become a more well-rounded group capable of better sharing the load, following Saturday’s 80-69 NBL1 West loss against Willetton.

The Giants pushed the fifth-placed visitors for most of the game but with the scores level at three-quarter-time, the Tigers took charge in the run home, 21-10.

It was the local squad’s seventh consecutive defeat after Nici Gilday (24 points; four rebounds; five assists; one blocked shot) and Erin Antosh (21 points; 13 rebounds; three assists) carried the vast majority of the workload.

Alongside the team’s 80 points, Willetton’s starters also racked-up a combined 29 rebounds and 19 assists.

With a 2-10 win-loss record, the Giants are tied with the South West Slammers, but hold 11th spot on percentage.

Goldfields led by a point at quarter-time and by six points during the second period.

“Our bench players contributed quite well, but we need at least one other person to step-up and score in double-figures,” Worthington said.

“They (Willetton) had four players (score) in double-figures and we needed that (because) their defence obviously started to double-team Nici and Erin.

“It means we need other players to go to in those circumstances.

“In those last five minutes, from a coaching perspective as well, we needed to adjust quicker by making sure we had other options.

“The bottom line is that we need other players to step-up and spread the scoring more.”

Goldfields remain three games outside the top-eight.

“Willetton have a very strong team and it’s a skill, learning how to win,” Worthington said.

“That’s all it is — having that belief that we can (beat top sides).

“But the reality was that Willetton were able to convert and close-out the game.

“I feel we’re on the cusp of that, but we just need to keep pushing and getting better.”

Ladder

Cougars (11-0); Senators (9-2); Redbacks (9-3); Eagles (7-3); Tigers (7-4); Magic (7-6); Flames (5-5); Lightning (5-6); Hawks (4-6); Wolves (3-8); Giants (2-10); Slammers (2-10); Suns (1-9).