WNBL24 Round 7 Wrap

In an action-packed Round 7 of the WNBL24, Southside Flyers and Townsville Fire delivered an intense showdown, resulting in the Fire’s impressive 105-77 victory, securing their dominance with a 7/8 win record.
Meanwhile, Adelaide Lightning pulled off an epic upset against Melbourne Boomers, ending their five-game losing streak with a final score of 68-59. Bendigo Spirit claimed a nail-biter win against Adelaide Lightning with a 81-77 victory.
Sydney Flames, on the other hand, faced an unexpected defeat against Perth Lynx, who secured a remarkable 98-58 triumph.
Lastly, UC Capitals celebrated their first win of the season, defeating Melbourne Boomers 84-72 in an electrifying match that showcased standout performances by Jade Melbourne, Alexandra Fowler, and Alex Sharp. #WNBL #Round7Recap
📆 Sunday 17th December
Southside wrestle 10 point win out of Bendigo
Written by Liv Harrison
Both entering their second and final game of round 7, Bendigo Spirit coming off a win and Southside a loss.
The home team, Spirit, got out to a 5 pt. lead in the first period (19-14). They won the total rebounds, assists and second chance points. The flyers however did not let Spirit’s lead get too far away matching turnovers.
At halftime, momentum had swung in the way of southside with a margin of 2 pts at the end of the period (37-39). The shift was focused on their offensive accuracy getting 17/35 of their field goals, though the Spirit had more chances from 2 points.
By the third quarter the game continued to be an arm wrestle with advancements from both teams, Southside lead the points the entire quarter getting out to 5 points. Kelly Wilson in the last second scored a crucial 3 points closing the gap again to 2 points.
The final quarter saw the momentum slip away from Bendigo with Southside extending the lead to a game high of 11 points.
Maddy Rocci of Southside was POTG with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
Score
Bendigo Spirit: 81 – Southside: 91
Venue
Red Energy Arena, Bendigo VIC
Top Performers
Mehryn Kraker (Bendigo Spirit) – 20 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast.
Kelsey Griffin – (Bendigo Spirit) 18 pts, 4 reb, 2 TO.
Maddy Rocci – (Southside Flyers) 24 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast.
Bec Cole – (Southside Flyers) – 24 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast.
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📆 Sunday 17th December
Adelaide Lightning Shocks the Courts with Epic Upset
Written by Jayden Rosanowski
In a thrilling nail-biting game, the Adelaide Lightning emerged victorious against the Melbourne Boomers to squash their 5-game losing streak. Despite the Boomers being the favoured team, the first quarter was a closely contested battle, with Melbourne leading 22-20. Sara Blicavs played a pivotal role in securing the lead, contributing an impressive 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Melbourne Boomers extended their dominance, establishing an 11-point lead — the largest in the game. However, the Adelaide Lightning staged a remarkable comeback, closing the gap to lead by 1 point by halftime, with a score of 38-37. Izzy Borlase of the Adelaide Lightning showcased her prowess with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals at the halfway mark.
The intensity continued into the third quarter, where both teams exhibited unwavering determination to gain a lead. The Lightning, resilient in their pursuit, managed to preserve their lead, concluding the quarter with a slight edge at 53-51.
The fourth quarter saw Adelaide take a 8-point lead against the Melbourne Boomers with 1:36 left in the quarter. The Melbourne Boomers were only able to score 8 points within the last quarter.
Brianna Turner received the Player of the Game award for her significant impact to the game with 8 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks and 1 steal.
Score
Adelaide Lightning 68 defeated Melbourne Boomers 59.
Venue
Melbourne Sports Centre – Parkville
Top Performers
Brianna Turner (Adelaide Lightning): 8 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast, 4 blk
Isobel Borlase (Adelaide Lightning): 21 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast
Sara Blicavs (Melbourne Boomers): 21 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast
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SYDNEY VS TOWNSVILLE
📆 Saturday 16th December
Townsville Fire bring the heat against the Sydney Flames, continuing on their winning streak
Written by Georgia Lee
In an anticipated matchup at the Quay Centre, the Fire have once again emerged victorious for the second time this round, defeating the Flames 70-48. The Fire were able to set the tone in the opening quarter, and their dominant display saw the gap in scores continue to grow against the Flames throughout the first half.
The third quarter saw the Flames threatening to close the deficit, with some impressive offensive and defensive displays. However, Fire were able to surge ahead ending the game with an impressive win.
The dominant duo Woods and Whitcomb, helped to continue the Fire’s surge to victory. Woods finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, whilst Whitcomb was able to rack up 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
Score
Townsville Fire 70 defeated Sydney Flames 48
Venue
Quay Centre: Sydney
Top Performers
Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire): 19 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast
Sami Whitcomb (Townsville Fire): 18 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast
Steph Reid (Townsville Fire): 11 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast
Mikayla Ruef (Townsville Fire): 11 pts, 15 reb, 1 ast
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📆 Friday 15th December
Bendigo Spirit claim the win in nail biter against Adelaide Lightning
Written by Kaitlyn Stones
The Bendigo Spirit and Adelaide Lightning produced a nail-biting game that kept all viewers on the edge of their seats until the final seconds. The match continued to switch from beginning to end; before the Spirit reigned victorious with a 4-point win over the Lightning.
Player of the Game, Mehryn Kraker; of the Bendigo Spirit, kept the opposition on their toes with an outstanding 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.
Score
Bendigo Spirit 81 defeated Adelaide Lightning 77
Venue
Geelong Arena
Top Performers
Lauren Mansfield (Adelaide Lightning) 28 pts, 1 reb, 3 ast
Isabelle Bourne (Adelaide Lightning) 25 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast
Mehryn Kraker (Bendigo Spirit) 20 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
Alicia Froling (Bendigo Spirit) 15 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast
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📆 Friday 15th December
UC Capitals defeat Melbourne Boomers, taking home their first win of the season!
Written by Nellie Rose
In an electrified match-up against the Melbourne Boomers, the UC Capitals walked away from Friday nights game with their first win of the 2023/24 WNBL season, beating the Boomers 84-72 at Tuggeranong Stadium. The Capitals came out swinging with determination and an incredible performance, keeping their lead against the Boomers from the starting siren all the way through to the end.
With the Capitals win against the Boomers, their top performers assisted massively to the teams energy and stadium atmosphere, as Jade Melbourne finished on 30 points, Alexandra Fowler on 18 points and Alex Sharp on 12 points. Jade Melbourne finished the game with a double-double with 5 rebounds and 10 assists, earning herself ‘Player of the Game’.
Score
UC Capitals 84, defeat Melbourne Boomers 72.
Venue
Tuggeranong Basketball Stadium (ACT)
Top Performers
Jade Melbourne (Capitals) – 30 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists
Alexandra Fowler (Capitals) – 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist
Naz Hillmon (Boomers) – 14 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal
Keely Froling (Boomers) – 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block
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📆 Thursday 14th December
Townsville Fire bring the heat against the Southside Flyers
Written by Kaitlyn Stones
Thursday night’s game between the Southside Flyers and Townsville Fire at the State Basketball Centre saw the Fire emerge victorious; winning 105 to 77. Townsville dominated all evening and proved too much for the Flyers. The results bring the Fire to a total of 7/8 wins so far this season, currently residing at 1st on the ladder.
Stephanie Reid and Sami Whitcomb of the Townsville Fire led the scorers with 22 and 21 points respectively. With Player of the Game, Sami Whitcomb, receiving 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Score
Southside Flyers 77 – Townsville Fire 105
Venue
State Basketball Centre (Wantirna, Victoria)
Top Performers
Jasmine Dickey (Southside Flyers) 20 pts, 3 reb
Mercedes Russell (Southside Flyers) 20 pts, 4 reb
Stephanie Reid (Townsville Fire) 22 pts, 3 reb, 6 ast
Sami Whitcomb (Townsville Fire) 21 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast
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📆 Wednesday 13th December
A Bittersweet Milestone for Lauren Nicholson’s 150th Game
Written by Lola Di Donato
Sydney Flame’s Lauren Nicholson marked her 150th game in the WNBL in a bittersweet and unexpected defeat. Kicking off round 7, Perth Lynx pulled off an unexpected triumph in a 40 point win against The Sydney Flames. Player of the Game Amy Atwell (Perth Lynx) set the scoring pace with an impressive 15 points in the first quarter of the game. The Lynx followed her lead and unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, achieving their highest score of the season so far.
The anticipation is high as Perth Lynx gear up for their next clash against The Southside Flyers next Saturday to solidify their top 4 position.
Score
Perth Lynx 98 defeated Sydney Flames 58
Venue
Bendat Basketball Centre (Perth, WA)
Top Performers
Amy Atwell (Perth Lynx): 21pts, 4reb, 1ast
Miela Goodchild (Perth Lynx): 18pts, 2reb, 2ast
Cayla George (Sydney Flames): 13pts, 13reb, 1ast
Didi Richards (Sydney Flames): 10pts, 11reb, 0ast
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