News 
 Local News 
 Sport 
 Basketball 
 Perera ready for Harrower 

Perera ready for Harrower

27 Oct, 2009 08:25 AM
Canberra Capitals guard Chantella Perera says her recent impressive form will count for nothing if she can't back it up against the Bendigo Spirit on Sunday.

The Capitals will search for their fourth consecutive win when they clash with sixth-placed Bendigo at Tuggeranong.

Perera had her best game as a Capital against the Adelaide Lightning in her team's 100-73 rout last weekend.

The 23-year-old nailed four three-pointers and racked up 14 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Despite proving herself as a dynamic impact player from Canberra's bench, Perera said her first real test of the season would come against Australia's premier point guard Kristi Harrower.

''I've been feeling more confident each game out there and I thought I was able to help the girls out a bit more than usual,'' Perera said.

''I thought things were starting to come together for me as well and it's good to feel like your hard work is paying off sometimes.

''Going up against Kristi is good to see where I stand because I know I've got a lot to work on but it's good to test yourself out.''

Perera and Nat Hurst will team up to shut down the dynamic Harrower.

Hurst will shoulder most of the workload, but Perera's input off the bench will be crucial to extending the Capitals' Tuggeranong winning streak to 27.

Canberra's win against Adelaide was the first sign it was capable of winning back-to-back championships.

Perera was instrumental in a destructive second-quarter scoring run which put the game out of Adelaide's reach.

''I was shocked when I looked up at the score at half-time and saw we were 26 points ahead,'' Perera said.

''Everything felt smooth out there for us ... it was the first time I think we've felt like a team this season.

''It helps when everyone's knocking down their shots as well, but now we have to keep it going.''

The Capitals were on fire with their long-range shooting and hit 13 three-pointers.

It was more than double the amount they had scored all season and coach Carrie Graf said her team's intense training sessions were finally paying dividends.

''We had contributions across the floor Perera was huge for us and I would say that was her career-best game,'' Graf said of Perera's performance against Adelaide.

''A lot of our girls do individual shooting sessions every day and it shows.''

SUNDAY

WNBL round five: Canberra Capitals v Bendigo Spirit at Southern Cross Stadium, 1pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size
Chantella Perera has a shot at goal during a Caps training session. Photo: GARY SCHAFER
Chantella Perera has a shot at goal during a Caps training session. Photo: GARY SCHAFER

MOST POPULAR

Yourguide to Your Toyota
 
James Bond Happy Hour at Flint - click now
 
University of Canberra - click here
 
Red Hot Deals at Eurobodalla! click now
 
Click here to read See Canberra online!
 
Ready, Set. Drive!
 
Classifieds
 SEND...
 SAVE...
 SHARE...