FLYERS LOSE OUT IN LAST QUARTER – Flyers-Spirit Recap
The Southside Flyers finished up their last stint in Tasmania last night with a loss to the fighting hot Bendigo Spirit.
In what has been a great experience for the Flyers and the WNBL, Southside have now played two fun & exciting games with Bendigo in the Hobart Arena. They have spent time in communities and showed Tasmanians the exciting game they need in their state.
Unfortunately for our team and staff it has not been a trip of win collecting on the court, dropping both of these games to Bendigo and falling to 7th on the WNBL ladder.
FLYERS BACK HOME THIS SATURDAY – GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
It was clear to see that both Southside and Bendigo had adjusted their game play in the four days since last playing each other, with our Flyers finding a way to keep Bendigo out of the paint and the Spirit finding ways around it.
The first half shaped up very competitively and again a physical game for both sides. Without the defensive intensity of Kristy Wallace who was sidelined for the game, the Flyers had to lift to shut down the Spirits dominant offense.
Captain Jenna O’Hea gave Southside a hot start going three from three at long range which complimented nicely with Sara Blicavs’ offense as she scored 13 points in her first half. Anneli Maley, who is averaging a double double, showed out again in the first half against the Flyers and kept the game tight till the intermission, Southside leading 36-34.
Emilee Whittle-Harmon again started for the Flyers in place of Abby Bishop and Rachel Jarry was also able to take the court after a late flight in. This inside pressure would be a key difference in keeping the scores close compared to Saturday’s match-up.
Whittle-Harmon kicked off the second half with back to back shots and Maddison Rocci carried over her fire adding points to the Flyers board. The third quarter saw the Flyers keep their buffer lead but the lack of rebounding was starting to show up on the scoreboard. The Spirit finished with 52 rebounds to the Flyers 34.
While Southside was able to increase their lead for the final stretch thanks to bench points from Kate Gaze, they were unable to beat Bendigo’s defensive pressure. Scoring only 12 points in the last quarter allowed Bendigo to get their run and take over the game in the dying stages, 70-78.
The coaches, players, support staff and fans are extremely grateful for the chance to travel and play in the great state of Tasmania. While the results did not reflect our basketball, we were thrilled to play in front of some great fans at MyState Bank Arena and we can’t wait to be back in the Apple Isle very soon!
This Saturday the Southside Flyers are back home in Dandenong and it will be a special round as we proudly partner with Lifeline. Every assist made will be $100 donated to the organisation that supports those going through tough times, providing mental health services to people who need it most. An important time for checking on friends, family and yourself, this Lifeline Round will shine the light on mental health issues throughout our community and we can’t wait to help raise some funds for this important cause.
THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT DANDENONG STADIUM
Southside Flyers vs. UC Capitals
Saturday March 5th – Tip Off 7:30PM
Dandenong Stadium
TICKETS: www.bitly.com/flyersround13
