Despite great regular seasons, the hosts both need wins in the second games to extend their season and force a third game. Courtney Williams and Perth looked to be on the path to do that on Friday, but Melbourne was able to get more minutes out of Liz Cambage and used a strong fourth quarter to win 78-69 and complete the sweep. Sydney started well on Saturday, but Townsville took the lead by halftime and held on to a 68-65 win to set the matchup for the finals next week as both lower seeds advanced by sweeps.
January 5, 2018
Perth vs. Melbourne 69-78 PER Williams 20/12r Standish 17 Whitcomb 15 Burton 4 Dowe 0/8r Ciabattoni 0 MEL Cambage 25/15r Garrick 18 O’Hea 12/6r Cole 10/6r Smart 7 Purcell 4/6r/6a Tomlinson 2
Melbourne wins series 2-0
January 6, 2018
Sydney University Flames vs. Townsville Fire 65-68 SYD Taylor 18/11r Hamson 15/15r Snell 7/7a Boag 5 Tupaea 3 TSV Batkovic 14/10r Wiese 14 George 13/8r Mincy 7 Cocks 2
Townsville wins series 2-0