Froling's double-double keeps Lightning winless

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Froling's double-double keeps Lightning winless

Keely Froling of Geelong United celebrates with teammates after winning the round three WNBL match between Geelong United and Adelaide Lightning at The Geelong Arena, on November 16, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Geelong's Keely Froling drops 19 on Adelaide in club's 2nd win

Keely Froling leads Geelong with 19 points and 13 rebounds
Isobel Borlase top scorer for Adelaide with 17 points
Tight defensive battle sees both teams shoot under 36% from the field

In a hard-fought WNBL contest, Geelong United overcame the Adelaide Lightning 72-66 at John Cain Arena on Saturday evening, improving their season record to 2-2.

Keely Froling of Geelong United drives to the basket under pressure from Brianna Turner of the Lightning during the round three WNBL match between Geelong Cats and Adelaide Crows at The Geelong Arena, on November 16, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Froling Dominates as Geelong Secures Victory

Keely Froling put on a stellar performance for Geelong United, recording a double-double with a game-high 19 points and 13 rebounds in 40 minutes. Her efforts were crucial in securing the win for the home team, who had to battle against a determined Adelaide Lightning side.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we stuck to our game plan and came out on top," Froling said post-match.

"Everyone contributed, and that's what we need to be successful in this league."

Geelong's balanced attack had two players score in double figures, with Elissa Brett adding 14 points while Jazmin Shelley added nine points and 4 assists. The team's defensive efforts was equally impressive, holding Adelaide to just 35.5% shooting from the field.

Steph Talbot of the Lightning drives to the bucket during the round three WNBL match between Geelong Cats and Adelaide Crows at The Geelong Arena, on November 16, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Lightning's Late Surge Falls Short

Despite a strong showing from Isobel Borlase, who led Adelaide with 17 points, and a double-double from WNBA player Steph Talbot (15 points, 12 rebounds), the Lightning couldn't overcome Geelong's lead in the final quarter.

Adelaide's head coach Nat Hurst remained optimistic.

"We fought hard, but Geelong made the big plays when it counted," she said.

"We'll learn from this and come back stronger next week."

The loss drops Adelaide to a 0-3 record for the season, putting added pressure on their upcoming home game against the Perth Lynx.

Natalie Hurst, head coach of the Lightning, talks to her team during a time out in the round three WNBL match between Geelong United and Adelaide Crows at The Geelong Arena, on November 16, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Looking Ahead to Crucial Matchups

Both teams now turn their attention to important fixtures next week. Geelong United will look to build on their momentum as they face the UC Capitals at home on November 23, while Adelaide Lightning face the Sydney Flames on November 20 and Townsville Fire on November 23.

With the WNBL season heating up, every game becomes crucial in the race for playoff positions. Geelong's victory positions them well in the early standings, but coach Guy Molloy remains cautious: "It's a long season, and we can't get ahead of ourselves.

"We'll celebrate this win, but our focus is already on the next challenge."