Cambage primed to respond

That is the message ringing around WNBL circles after Cambage controversially missed out on the MVP award on Monday.

The Southside Flyers superstar was expected to be named the league’s most valuable player, but the gong went to Adelaide captain Steph Talbot.

Read Next

Cambage was unlucky not to claim the MVP given she leads the league in points scored (24.1) and blocks (2.0), while she is ranked fifth in total rebounds (8.2).

She has also steered Southside to first place after the regular season with an impressive 11-2 record.

The Opals centre has previously claimed the WNBL MVP award playing with the Bulleen Boomers back in 2011.

Cambage’s MVP snub would have disappointed her, but Opals coach Sandy Brondello is expecting a firm response in the finals from one of the world’s best women’s basketballers.

“Liz will just go out there and focus on winning a championship,” Brondello said.

“That is the most important thing.”

MVP winner Talbot knows the likes of Townsville, Canberra and the Melbourne Boomers are all capable of winning the WNBL championship, but she still rates Cambage’s Flyers as the team to beat.

“Southside are still the favourites,” Talbot said.

“Liz is dominant, and she has got so many good players around her.”

Southside may be favoured to beat Townsville in the second semi-final, but you can’t underestimate the Fire, according to Talbot.

She believes guards Lauren Nicholson and Shyla Heal will keep the Flyers on their toes.

“Townsville have really surprised people, especially this back end of the season,” she said.

“They play a great brand of basketball and a real team style.”

The first semi-final is set to be evenly matched after reigning champions Canberra and the Melbourne Boomers both finished the regular season locked on nine wins and four losses.

The Capitals have the championship-winning experience, but the Boomers also possess a formidable team.

Melbourne captain Cayla George was listed in the All-WNBL First Team after an outstanding season, with Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen both being listed in the All-WNBL Second Team.

Brondello is particularly excited about the potential of 21-year-old Magbegor, who is coming off a WNBA championship with the Seattle Storm.

“Ezi is only going to get better, which is also good for the Opals moving forward as well,” she said.

“I’m excited about the young brigade coming through.”

2020 WNBL FINALS:

SEMI FINAL 1: Canberra Capitals vs Melbourne Boomers – 6pm

SEMI FINAL 2: Southside Flyers vs Townsville Fire – 8.15pm

Read Next