Post-Game Report January 4 V Townsville Fire
The Jayco Southside Flyers fell short to the Townsville Fire on Saturday evening to a three on the buzzer from Abbey Ellis which assisted the Fire to a 78-75 win.
After a string of narrow losses, the Flyers hoped to secure their 5th win of the 2024/25 Cygnett WNBL season when they faced the Fire for the first time. The game became another close one as the first quarter proved to be tight and physical between the two. It was basket-for-basket to begin however, Naz Hillmon assisted the Flyers to a handy 6-point lead mid-way through the first. The Fire were able to reign in the deficit after an 11-0 run which gave them a narrow 22-20 lead heading into the second.
Ellis started the second dangerously from beyond the arc, splashing 2 from deep early to extend the Fire’s lead to 10 points. Alice Kunek and Tera Reed tried their best to chip away at the Fire’s lead throughout the quarter however, the scoring prowess and quickness in transition from the Fire proved way too strong as they held a 10-point lead at the half.
Momentum swung the Flyers’ way to begin the third and sharpshooters Kunek and Dallas Loughridge converted from long range in succession which cut the Fire’s lead back to 3 points. Loughridge continued to be a power force in offense throughout the quarter to cut the margin to 5 points heading into the final term.
The Fire looked to be running away with their lead in the last, however, Hillmon and Maddy Rocci kept the Flyers in touch with the Fire and narrowed the margin once again. A clutch three from Kunek and a crucial basket under the ring from Hillmon tied the game with 5 seconds remaining. Coach Seebohm called a timeout to draw up one final play which was executed to precision with Ellis splashing a three on the buzzer to give the Fire a 3-point win.
Southside Flyers Stat Leaders:
Naz Hillmon: 26 pts, 12 reb, 2 stl
Dallas Loughridge: 14 pts, 4 reb, 3 stl
Alice Kunek: 12 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast
Maddy Rocci: 12 pts, 9 ast, 5 reb
The Southside Flyers will be fighting to keep their season alive in the 5 team race for 4th spot on the Cygnett WNBL ladder when they face Geelong United at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday 8th January. Tip-off is 7 PM, tickets are selling fast for a final match-up against Geelong and can be purchased here