FLYERS GET THE WIN IN A SUNDAY CLASSIC
Flyers d Boomers 84-82 after leading for all but 15-seconds of the game.
The Flyers made it three victories in a row with a stirring 2-point win over cross town rivals, the Melbourne Boomers at the Melbourne Sports Centres Parkville Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After leading at every break and by as much as 15 during the third term, the Flyers were able to withstand a spirited comeback by the Boomers to win a thriller in front of a great crowd. The Boomers had two chances in the final seconds to hit a three for the win but were unable to convert.
A Jasmine Dickey jump shot ended the first term with the Flyers 7-points up (26-19). Leilani Mitchell and Lauren Jackson were leading the scorers. Five minutes into the second period and the Boomers had tied the scores, however the Flyers were able to steady, and although being outscored by 2-points for the period, still held a 5-point lead at the main break. Lauren Jackson added another nine points in the period to lead all scorers at halftime with 16.
The Flyers got their game going in the third period and extended the lead to 15 before the Boomers hit back late the quarter. At the final break the Flyers led by 9-points (63-54). The one concern for the Flyers was Lauren Jackson heading to the bench after a heavy knock, thankfully it was nothing serious and she was back in the game in the final period.
The Boomers were always going to make a run in front of their home crowd and two three-pointers, not only got the team going but also had the home crowd up and about. With just over 4-minutes remaining the Flyers found themselves down by 2-points before another Leilani Mitchell three point the Flyers back in front, and, while it was close, the Flyers led for the remainder of the game.
Ironically former Flyer, Sara Blicavs had two open three point shots in the final seconds to win the game for the Boomers, but she was unable to connect with the Flyers two-points up when the game ended.
Lauren Jackson had 20 points, Leilani Mitchell 19 and Mercedes Russell 13. Once again the Flyers won the rebound count and Maddy Rocci led the way with 6 assists, Bec Cole 4 and Leilani Mitchell 4.
Next up the Flyers travel to Sydney to tackle the Flames on Thursday before continuing north to play the Fire in Townsville on Saturday.
Flyers next home game at the State Basketball Centre is against the Perth Lynx on Wednesday January 31, tip off at 7:30pm.