Arabic version: جواهر تسمانيا تفوز في افتتاح الدوري الأسترالي للسيدات على جيلونغ
According to ABC News, the Tasmania Jewels ended a 30-year wait for a WNBL team by defeating the Geelong Venom 103-90 in the season opener at Hobart’s sold-out Derwent Entertainment Centre.
The Jewels are the ninth franchise in the competition and the first Tasmanian side in Australia’s top women’s basketball league since the Hobart Islanders exited in 1996. Captain Darcee Garbin made the team’s first points after producing a block in the opening seconds, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds.
Tasmania had six players score in double figures. Brooke Basham recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and four steals, while Steph Reid posted 17 points and eight assists despite having only two training sessions with the side. Gianna Kneepkens added 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Jewels used an 11-0 late run to take a 29-20 lead at the first break and extended their advantage to 19 points by half-time. Geelong fought back through Maddison Rocci, who scored a career-high 33 points, while Bec Cole had 11 points and four assists in her first match since foot surgery.
Geelong committed 18 turnovers and played without recruit Han Xu, who is recovering following her WNBA campaign with the New York Liberty. Venom coach Cheryl Chambers said Han would return for Geelong’s next match. Tasmania will next play the Southside Melbourne Flyers on Thursday.
