Flames celebrate Madgen’s 250th with gutsy win against Caps

December 8, 2023 | Sydney Flames news

The Sydney Flames have made it two road wins in three days by digging deep to defeat the Canberra Capitals 72-70 at the National Convention Centre. 

The round six victory, in Tess Madgen’s 250th in the WNBL, moves the Flames to 5-3 on the season. 

Match summary  

In a scrappy start to the game, neither team found rhythm early and could only combine for 10 points through the opening three minutes of the game. Big work on the defensive end by Cayla George and back-to-back triples by milestone player Tess Madgen saw the Hoops Capital club move in front 13-10 with four minutes to play. Five quick points from Lauren Nicholson, followed by scores by bench duo Lara McSpadden and Emma Clarke ensured the visitors led 22-14 at half-time. 

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That lead stretched to double-digits thanks to early scores by Didi Richards and Madgen – powering the harbour city side to an 11-5 start to the term. The latter continued to score at will throughout the term, but Canberra didn’t go away- rattling off seven straight before a Nicholson jumper. A coast-to-coast lay-up – which came off the back of resolute defending by the Flames – and a triple by Nicholson gave Guy Molloy’s side a 12-point lead (44-32) at the main break.  

The hosts burst out the blocks in the second half, registering the first six points of third period – which quickly turned into a 13-4 run following a Nicole Munger triple. The Caps got to within two after a Gemma Potter jumper before it was all tied at 49-all when Munger drained a shot. Potter was at it again to give Canberra the lead. All-in-all, it was a period to forget for the Flames, who were outscored 23-5 through the 10 minutes. 

Although Canberra had all the momentum (thanks to some big shots by Jade Melbourne), clutch scores by Nicholson, Madgen and George kept the Flames in striking distance (63-57) with 6.12 to play. Four quick ones inside the paint by Nicholson made it 63-61, as the game teetered back and forth. George fouled out with just over two to play before another Madgen three-pointer closed the Flames’ deficit to just one – as the game entered the final two minutes. A pair of shots from the charity stripe by Nicholson with 1.23 to play saw Sydney regain the lead 68-67 – with Lata McSpadden extending it to a two-point lead soon after. An Alex Sharp lay-up squared it at 69-all, which was followed of a Nicholson lefty lay-in and big free-throws by McSpadden which sealed the 72-70 triumph (after Melbourne’s half-court shot missed as time expired). 

Where the match was decided  

The huge round six win in the nation’s capital was secured by statistical victories in field goal percentage (48-43), free-throw percentage (77-11) and assists (13-11). 

Key moment  

With the match there to be won, the Flames outscored the Caps 9-3 in the final 2.03 to secure the gutsy road win. 

Player of the game 

With the team’s back against the wall, Nicholson was immense for the Flames, finishing with 26 points, (9/9 two-pointers), four rebounds and one assist. 

Others to shine in the victory were milestone player Madgen (21 points, three dimes and two boards) and George (11 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block). 

What’s next  

Molloy’s side, who are now 5-3, are once again on the road for their next fixture, this time travelling to Perth to face the Lynx on Wednesday, December 13 at the Bendat Basketball Centre from 9.30pm AEDT. 

The Flames’ next home game is on Saturday, December 16 against Townsville at Quaycentre, with tickets for the 6pm clash still available here.