BIG WIN ON THE ROAD TO FINISH 2023
FLYERS 87 d LIGHTNING 62
The Flyers finished 2203 with a convincing 25-point team victory over the Lightning in Adelaide on Saturday night.
Leading by 1-point at half-time, the Flyers produced a dominant second half to outscore the Lightning 46 to 27 in the second half.
The visitors got off to a fast start and lead by 6 early in the first quarter (8 to 2) before the Lightning hit some big points and went into the first break with a 5-point lead (24-19). A three pointer to start the second quarter stretched the lead to eight with the Lightning enjoying an 11-0 run. The Flyers responded to draw within a point with seven minutes left in the half before the Lightning went on another run (8-0) for a 9-point lead just three minutes later. However it was the Flyers who finished the second quarter better and went into the main break with the one-point lead, 41-40.
The Flyers put the foot down in the third quarter, outscoring the home team 31 to 15 to have a 17-point lead at the final break. The final quarter saw the visitors increase the margin, including a 12-0 run to ice the game. Both sides ensuring all players were involved in the game in the final minutes.
Final score Flyers 87 defeated the Lightning 62
A team effort from the Flyers, who outrebounded the Lightning 50 to 32 and importantly dished out more assists 21-14. The Flyers selected good shots from beyond the arc shooting threes at 66% (10-15) compared to the Lightning 4 from 24 at just 16%. Overall, the Flyers shot at 49% (34 from 69) while the Lightning were at 37% (26 from 69).
The Flyers were led on the scoresheet by Nyadiew Puoch who scored 20 points to go with her 8 rebounds and 2 assists. Mercedes Russell added another 15-points and 7 rebounds, Carley Ernst, who brought up her 1,000 WNBL field goal during the game, had 13-points and 6 rebounds and Lauren Jackson added 12-points as well as nine rebounds. While Maddy Rocci had five points, she also dished out nine assists, highlighting the team performance.
A good win to finish the year, now the focus turns to the new year and Wednesday January 3, another away game, this time in Melbourne against the Melbourne Boomers.
The Flyers next home game is on Saturday January 6 at the State Basketball Centre.