NBL1 West 2023: National NBL1 women’s champion Warwick Senators travel down to play Slammers

Both the South West Slammers and Warwick Senators women’s teams are on vastly different paths at this point of the NBL1 West season. While the Slammers have lost 69 of their past 70 games — including the last 28 in a row — the reigning national NBL1 champions Senators appear destined for another run deep into the finals series. Sitting sixth with three games to play, the Senators are beginning to hit form, with last Saturday’s 95-88 win over fellow contenders Joondalup Wolves a testament to this. The teenage-filled Slammers, who have had their limited playing stocks stretched due to injury and player unavailability, are likely to be stretched defensively by the Senators’ imposing starting five. Aside from dealing with Stacey Barr and Mackenzie Clinch-Hoycard beyond the arc, the Slammers will need to curtail American import Karly Murphy, a quality inside shooting threat, who is averaging 16 points per game. Murphy, who played college ball with Colorado State, has not only helped increase her side’s overall offensive production, but also eased Natalie Burton’s workload inside the paint. Tip off is at 5pm. Scouting report: (Women’s) Senators League position: 6th. Last round: defeated Perth Redbacks 118-62, defeated Joondalup Wolves 95-88; top performer (v Eagles) - Karly Murphy (27 points - 10/14 field goal attempts, 0/1 three-point attempts, 7/8 free throw attempts, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals).