For a side that insists they are not a one-person team, the Canberra Capitals sure struggle without Lauren Jackson.
The seven-time WNBL champions appeared to be in denial after suffering their fourth loss in five games in a disastrous weekend without their indefinitely sidelined leader.
As they sweat on the availability of four-time Olympian Jackson, Canberra's decline continued with their 91-72 defeat to reigning champions Dandenong Rangers (2nd; 10-2) coming barely 24 hours after a 74-59 loss to the Logan Thunder (7th; 4-7).
Capitals coach Carrie Graf clung to the fact that Canberra (6th; 5-6) remained one win outside the top four despite another disappointing weekend.
"We don't worry too much about the margin of matches at this stage because we have a group which is growing and maturing," she told reporters.
"There were patches of play in which we were good but we faced a team with three Olympians and a couple of future Olympians as well."
London Olympian Jenna O'Hea led the Rangers with 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Despite Canberra's stiff upper lip, they are reportedly exploring the prospect of signing European or WNBA stars in Jackson's absence.
The Capitals have reportedly been contacted by international players who are locked in pay disputes overseas asking whether the club would be willing to sign them.
Jackson may be missing due to an injury but the national competition has not been lacking WNBA star power thanks to US import Kelsey Griffin of ladder leaders Bendigo (10-1).
Griffin had 20 points and 10 rebounds before she fouled out, but not before inspiring Bendigo's 73-61 win over Bulleen on Saturday night.
Despite yet another win, Bendigo's veteran guard Kristi Harrower was kept quiet with just 13 points - seven coming from the charity stripe.
Adelaide (3rd; 7-4) sounded their intentions with a successful weekend.
Veteran Suzy Batkovic (25 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks) inspired their 90-75 home win over Townsville on Friday night before Adelaide romped to a 78-65 triumph in Perth over lowly West Coast a day later.
In other results, Sydney University (second-last; 2-9) scored an 81-67 win over Logan on Saturday night.
No comments:
Post a Comment