United straight through to prelim after beating Thunder

GEELONG United women remain undefeated after beating Keilor Thunder on Saturday in the NBL1 South Qualifying Final.

United led at every break and now progress straight through to the Preliminary Final after the 84-69 win at The Geelong Arena.

With Thunder captain Maddison Rocci returning from injury and Isabelle Bourne also back from national duties at the FIBA Asia Cup, Geelong were well aware of the challenge ahead in their first matchup of the finals.

However, it was a shared effort that led to the victory, with six players scoring in double digits thanks to 21 team assists.

Co-captain Gemma Potter top scored with 23 points at an efficient 50 percent, along with nine rebounds, three assists and four steals.

Fellow co-skipper Jaz Shelley also stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

Shifty guard Lilly Rotunno, who recently signed with the Geelong Venom in the WNBL, had ten points, six rebounds and six assists.

For the Thunder, Bourne led the way with 25 points and 12 rebounds, whilst Jasmine Dickey also scored 22.

Rocci was well held by United, restricted to just six points, six rebounds and seven assists.

United now progress straight through to the Preliminary Final, which will again be played at the Arena, and have earned a week off. The side will play the winner of the Semi Final between Dandenong Rangers and Diamond Valley.

Meanwhile, the second-seeded Thunder will now have to do it the hard way, with the Waverley Falcons awaiting them in the Semi Final.