WNBL2324 Round 5 Recap
Round 5 Recap: We saw the reigning champs win at home, two games decided in over-time and visitors victorious over the undefeated Boomers. Townsville Fire secured a hard-fought victory against Adelaide Lightning, with Mikaela Ruef’s stellar performance leading to a final score of 67-61; Southside Flyers continued their winning streak, defeating UC Capitals 81-64; Bendigo Spirit emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime showdown against Adelaide Lightning, finishing with a score of 70-65; Perth Lynx handed Melbourne Boomers their first defeat of the season with a commanding 80-63 win.
TOWNSVILLE VS ADELAIDE 📆 Wednesday 29th November
Townsville Fire’s Unstoppable Triumph: Mikaela Ruef Leads the Charge to Victory
In an intense clash at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, the Townsville Fire clinched a hard-earned victory against the Adelaide Lightning, concluding the game with a final score of 67-61. This triumph adds another impressive mark to Townsville’s season record, boasting 5 wins and just 1 loss, now riding a remarkable 4-game winning streak.
Mikaela Ruef’s outstanding performance played a pivotal role, as she demonstrated her skills with 13 points, 19 rebounds, and an impressive 3 blocks. Zitina Aokuso added to the team’s strength with an outstanding contribution of 23 points and 7 rebounds.
The game unfolded with Adelaide Lightning initially seizing control, leading 15-19 at the end of the first quarter. However, Townsville mounted a resilient comeback, taking a 4-point lead at halftime with a score of 34-30. The third quarter saw a fierce battle as Adelaide surged ahead, leading 51-50. However, missed shots in the fourth quarter allowed Townsville to reclaim the lead and secure the victory.
Notably, this marks the third consecutive win for Townsville at the Townsville Entertainment Centre against Adelaide. The dynamic twists and turns of the game underscore the resilience and determination of the Townsville Fire, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the league.
Score
Townsville Fire (67) defeated Adelaide Lightning (61).
SOUTHSIDE VS UC CAPS 📆 Saturday 2nd December
Flyers Continue to Soar and Capitals Remain Winless Going Into Round 6
The Southside Flyers and UC Capitals were put to the test at State Basketball Centre. Both teams displayed solid performances with the Capitals threatening to take the lead during the second quarter. However the Flyers were ultimately too good in the end and were able to maintain their lead throughout the game.
Both teams started the match strong with the Capitals creating a small lead during the opening minutes. However an assortment of missed shots from the Capitals and 6 turnovers saw the Flyers strike back and display their dominance to finish the opening quarter with a lead of 24-10.
The Caps began to close the gap at the start of the second term by coming out strong and scoring the first 11 points of the quarter. The Flyers were able to hang onto their lead with a score of 38-31 going into half time.
Both teams came out strong in the third. However the Flyers were able to slightly expand their lead to 59-48 going into the final term of the game.
The Flyers displayed a dominant final quarter over the Caps, continuing to expand the gap on the scoreboard throughout the term. In the end the Flyers were too good, finishing with a final score of 81-64.
Score
Southside Flyers (81) defeated UC Capitals (64)
ADELAIDE VS BENDIGO 📆 Saturday 2nd December
Intense Final Minutes: Bendigo Spirit Prevail in a Thrilling Overtime Showdown
Bendigo Spirit secure a decisive win over Adelaide Lightning in the second overtime of the season. Bendigo Spirit held a comfortable 16 point lead in the early stages of the third quarter but it was Adelaide Lightning who shifted momentum in the second half and were locked 60-60 at the buzzer. Overtime saw Spirit take control and secured the win with a final score of 75-60.
Bendigo Spirit will try to find their next win against Southside Flyers next Saturday at State Basketball Centre.
Score
Bendigo Spirit 70 defeated Adelaide Lightning 65.
MELBOURNE VS PERTH 📆 Sunday 3rd December
Visitors victory over the undefeated Boomers
The Perth Lynx have defeated the unbeaten Melbourne Boomers to finish round 5.
Melbourne went in top of the ladder, hoping to remain the only unbeaten team in the comp and Perth coming off a two game losing streak.
It was the visitors, Perth, who held the most momentum leading the score board at the end of the last three quarters.
Anneli Maley, Perth’s captain had a superb effort and was the WNBL’s player of the game with 17pts, 17reb, 1ast.
Score
Melbourne Boomers 63 – Perth Lynx 80