Blicavs, Borlase combine for 47 in 14-point win

• Melbourne's Sara Blicavs has 24 points and five boards in win against Kilsyth Cobras
• Tigers teammate Isobel Borlase adds 23 points on 50% from the field
• Casey Cavaliers' Sharne Robati drops 23 points in 16-point win against Mt Gambier

Melbourne Tigers claimed a convincing 90–76 win against Kilsyth Cobras, riding a potent offensive performance from stars Sara Blicavs and WNBA Atlanta Dream's Isobel Borlase at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Blicavs led the way with 24 points, five rebounds, and two assists, shooting 9-from-19 from the field and providing a consistent scoring threat inside and out. Borlase was equally effective, adding 23 points on 50% shooting, including seven made field goals and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Their combined scoring helped Melbourne pull away in the third quarter with a 29-point blitz.

The supporting cast stepped up across the board. Captain Charlotte Brancatisano recorded an efficient six points, nine rebounds, and five assists without missing a shot, while Ella Tofaeono added a bruising 12 points and eight boards in just under 20 minutes.

Tylah Hooper and Eve Braslis were sharp off the bench, each chipping in eight points, while Melbourne shot over 50% from the field as a team and connected on 11 threes at a 42.3% clip. Their balanced attack and defensive pressure in the fourth quarter helped them seal the game comfortably.

Kilsyth was led by Abby O’Connor’s big night — 28 points and nine rebounds on 45% shooting — including four made threes and 6-of-7 from the line. Shannon Dufficy added 14 points, while Hannah Day scored 12, but the team struggled to convert consistently from deep (9-from-34 from three) and couldn’t keep up with Melbourne’s offensive pace. Despite a competitive first half, Kilsyth was outscored 29–19 in the third and never recovered, as Melbourne’s depth, ball movement, and shooting efficiency proved too much down the stretch.

Casey Cavaliers @ Mt Gambier Pioneers

Casey pulled away from Mt Gambier with a composed and balanced performance to claim a 76–60 win on the road. After trailing by seven early, Casey seized control in the second quarter with a dominant 17–4 run and never looked back.

Sharne Robati led the way with 23 points and seven rebounds, shooting a blistering 62% from the field and hitting three triples. Ahlise Hurst added 17 points and four made free throws, while captain Lauryn Hippolite chipped in with nine points and solid defensive effort to help shut down Mt Gambier’s perimeter threats.

Jaden Owens had a strong all-around game, contributing eight points, six rebounds, and six assists, helping to stabilise Casey’s offense and control tempo throughout. Esra McGoldrick and Hailey Merrigan added energy off the bench, combining for 10 points and 10 rebounds. Casey’s defense was key — they limited Mt Gambier to just 29.2% shooting and forced 22 turnovers, turning those stops into fast-break opportunities and a clear edge in the second and third quarters where they outscored the Pioneers 45–27.

Mt Gambier was led by captain Isabella Brancatisano, who scored 23 points with seven rebounds on 47.4% shooting, trying to will her team back into the contest. Haliegh Reinoehl added a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Maddy Timms pulled down 10 boards of her own.

But Mt Gambier’s offensive struggles — particularly a 4-point second quarter and 20% shooting from beyond the arc (8-of-40) — proved too much to overcome, despite a late push in the third. Casey’s depth, efficiency, and defensive pressure ultimately proved the difference.