Courageous Harvey Norman Future Flames fall to Lynx
Sydney, made up entirely of the club’s Harvey Norman Future Flames, were courageous in their HoopsFest opener, losing 69-63 to the Perth Lynx at RAC Arena.
Match summary
Caitlyn Martin opened the Flames’ account from the free-throw line but that was the Hoops Capital club’s only score through the first five minutes, as the hosts raced out to an 11-1 lead. Carla Pitman ended Sydney drought with a driving lay-up, which was followed by a timely triple by Piper Anderson. At the end of the first quarter, the Lynx led 19-6.
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Anderson hit another triple just after the break, further aggression by Pitman and Caitlyn Martin closed the margin to 10 (23-13). Resolute defence by the young Flames and a pair of shots from the charity stripe by Emily Garland kept the game close. A Sari Mowbray triple late in the piece ensured the harbour city side closed the margin to 31-20 at the main break.
STAYIN’ TUFF‼️
Watch the rest of our HoopsFest clash with Perth live via the @WNBL app. #FlameOn pic.twitter.com/j4Q03ua0Gb
— Sydney Flames (@TheSydneyFlames) September 19, 2024
Sydney opened on their first possession down the court through Ella Leasuasu, before solid defence and a fast-paced offence led to an Anderson lay-in. But a pair of Ally Wilson threes for the Lynx stemmed the flow for Perth. Further scores by Mowbray and Asha Phillips kept Sydney’s scoreboard ticking over. A long bomb by Anderson in the final stages made it 49-38 at three-quarter time.
Anderson and Lily Austin both hit triples early the fourth, as Sydney closed to within six. But a 7-0 run, capped by a Wilson triple, made it a double-digit game again. Quick scores by Pitman and Anderson saw Renae Garlepp’s close to within five (60-55). Despite a late flurry, the hosts held on for a six-point win.
Where the match was decided
The Lynx won the match-up thanks to statistical victories in field goal percentage (36-26.3), rebounds (62-52), assists (14-10), points in the paint (38-26), second-chance points (18-10) and bench points (33-11)
Key moment
A slow start by the Flames hurt them, as they were playing catch-up for the rest of the match – although they did outscore their opponents through the final three periods of play.
Players of the game
Anderson and Pitman were the standouts of the Flames, chipping in 26 (inckuding five triples) and 14 points respectively.
What’s next
Garlepp’s side will now turn their attention to Friday’s match-up with the Adelaide Lightning at the Bendat Basketball Centre.
The HoopsFest fixture tips off at 7pm AEST and will be streamed live via the WNBL app.