Crunch Time Clash as Suns and Redbacks Battle for Mid-Season Momentum

It’s Friday night hoops on the road as the Eastern Suns travel to Belmont to take on the Perth Redbacks in what shapes as a crucial mid-season matchup for both teams. This is the first of two meetings between the sides this season, with the Redbacks set to visit Ray Owen later this month.

FORM GUIDE

Women
The Suns Women are coming off a tough loss to the undefeated Cockburn Cougars, but with signs of improvement each week, they’ll be aiming to hit the court in Belmont with renewed energy. The Redbacks, on the other hand, are flying—fresh off a dominant 116–64 win over the Slammers and currently sitting at 9 wins for the season.

Men
The Suns Men secured their second win in a row after a strong four-quarter effort against Cockburn last week, claiming an important win on the road. They’ll look to carry that momentum into this clash with the Redbacks, who also won last week, defeating the Slammers by 17 points. Both sides sit on 5 wins heading into Round 11—so there’s plenty to play for.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Women
Date: May 18, 2024
Location: Ray Owen Sports Centre
Result: Suns 73 – Redbacks 97

Despite the result, the Suns Women showed encouraging signs. Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant was a force inside, notching a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Ella Fotu added an all-around performance with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Men
Date: May 18, 2024
Location: Ray Owen Sports Centre
Result: Suns 93 – Redbacks 80

The Suns completed a strong weekend sweep of wins against both the Flames and Redbacks in round 8, with Marek Nelson filling the stat sheet v Redbacks with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals. Brendan Dinardo (18 pts) and Dyson Lowe (13 pts) also had major impacts, helping to control the tempo and build momentum.

ONES TO WATCH

Women
Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant – Tayjanna claimed the Core Cider House MVP against the Redbacks last season with a dominant double-double. She’ll look to replicate this and bring the energy in the paint.

Men
Terrico White – Terrico was electric last week against the Cougars, leading the Suns in scoring and showcasing his elite shot-making. With confidence building, expect him to take the reins again and push for back-to-back standout performances.

With both teams hungry for wins, this Friday night clash will be hot!