FLYERS GET OFF TO A FLY AND CRUISE TO VICTORY
Flyers 84 d Spirit 57
The Flyers got off to a flying start scoring the first 14-points of the game and enjoying a 17-point after five minutes of the Wednesday afternoon game against the Bendigo Spirit before cruising to a comfortable 27-point victory at MSAC.
The Wednesday afternoon game at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) in Albert Park attracted a crowd of nearly 1,000 people, many young supporters enjoying their school holidays. The crowd was treated to a quick start by the Flyers who shot 55.6% from the field while making four of six three point shots for the opening quarter. The quick start gave the crowd plenty to cheer about and certainly added to the atmosphere for this special holiday afternoon game.
While the Flyers were shooting well, the Spirit struggled for find their range, shooting at just 25% from the field and not hitting a three from five attempts. At the end of the first quarter it was the Flyers leading 30 to 11.
The Spirit made some adjustments in the second quarter and found their range while the Flyers were unable to maintain such a high percentage from the field. At the main break the Flyers held a 14-point lead (41-27) after being outscored 11-16 in the second quarter. The scoring from the Flyer in the opening half was evenly spread with both Maddy Rocci leading the way with nine points.
Lauren Jackson, who just prior to the game, was named in the Opals team for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Brazil in February, went off the court during the second quarter after knocking her right knee. She had played over 14 minutes in the half and as a precaution she took no further part in the game.
In the third period, the Flyers took control of the game, outscoring the Spirit 25 to 13 to have a 26-point lead at the final break. Bec Cole added 11-points for the quarter, Mercedes Russell six and the rest being spread. During the quarter the Spirit rotated more players through the game as the writing was on the wall.
The final quarter saw most players from both teams on the court at various stages with both teams playing again this weekend. The Flyers play the Melbourne Boomers on Sunday and the Spirit fly to Perth to play the Lynx on Saturday. The Flyers held a game-high lead of 31 during the quarter (78-47) before the Spirit fought back to win the final quarter battle 27-18.
Flyers 84 d Spirit 57
Bec Cole 17, Carley Ernst 15, Maddi Rocci 12, Leilani Mitchell 11were the leading scorers for the Flyers.
The Flyers also won the rebounds 45-34 and dished out 19 assists for the game.
Flyers next game is away to Melbourne Boomers on Sunday before away games next week in Sydney and Townsville.
Flyers next home game is at the State Basketball Centre against Perth Lynx on Wednesday January 31 at 7:30pm