NBL1 South: Tornadoes fall short of comeback against Blues

Down six players due to nationals, the Torns did what they could against an aggressive Blues team.

Things didn't go the Torns' way in the initial phases of the match, with the Blues impressive resilience on the rebound getting them out to an early lead.

But Launceston tightened up their form to get back into the game, upping their own rebounds and scoring.

Said scoring was once again led by Torns captain Keely Froling, who turned up the heat for her team, scoring 16 points in the first half.

She finished with another high-point game despite the defeat (30 points). Canberra Capital colleague Kelsey Griffin played well in her debut for the Torns, notching 14pts and 10 rebounds.

But a Blues scoring duo of Darcee Garbin and Taylah Giliam saw the home team to a 14-point lead at the half.

Frankston continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, with the Torns struggling to find the rim from both a distance and up close.

By the end of the match, the Torns could only score on five of their 22 three-point chances.

It was not Tornado Teyla Evans' night - she finished with five points but was unable to convert on any of her six looks from three.

The final term saw Launceston make a surge to come back and try to overcome the early deficit.

This was led by Mariah Payne (28pts), whose bullish aggression in transition allowed the Torns to claw back within a score.

But late costly turnovers and fouls saw the side to their first loss of the season.

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