WNBL FINALS: FLYERS LOCK IN GRAND FINAL SPOT IN ONE-POINT THRILLER
The Jayco Southside Flyers clinch victory by one point over the Deakin Melbourne Boomers in an absolute thriller (73-72), to book a meeting with JCU Townsville Fire in the 2022/23 Cygnett WNBL Grand Final Series.
After a close start, Southside built a nice lead throughout the first half, going into the main break up by six points.
Sara Blicavs of the Flyers had her eye in early and sunk 11 points before half time. While League MVP, Cayla George was doing her best to keep Melbourne in touch with 16 points of her own.
Momentum was building for the visitors as they came back from the half time break firing – taking the lead in the early stages of the third quarter.
Then it was anyone’s game – with both teams shifting into another gear and going basket for basket throughout the third term. Tiffany Mitchell against Nyadiew Puoch was a battle to watch, with the 18-year-old Puoch unbelievably holding her own against the experienced import.
After six lead changes in the third, the stage was set for a tight finish.
A clutch three in the dying moments from Maddy Rocci put the Flyers back in front, before George, notching up a double-double for the game, responded with a three of her own.
The game was sealed with a final lay-up from Kayla Thornton to win the Flyers the game by one point.
Top performers
Tiffany Mitchell (Melbourne): 23pts, 4reb, 2ast, 3stl
Cayla George (Melbourne): 22pts, 13reb, 3ast
Sara Blicavs (Southside): 14pts, 7reb, 2stl
Maddy Rocci (Southside): 14pts, 4reb, 6ast
Southside will now fly up to Townsville for Game 1 of the Grand Final Series on Saturday.