Flames notch first win of season over Caps in Indigenous Round

The Brydens Sydney Uni Flames have claimed their first win of the season against defending champions, the University of Canberra Capitals, 81-75.

Ahead from 15-seconds in until the final buzzer, Sydney got off to a flying start, securing a 21-point lead late in the first quarter.

The visitors fought back and reduced the margin to 10 at the main break, however a few turnovers, scoring runs and fast break points in the second half was enough for the Flames to walk away with a six-point victory.

Alice Kunek top scored for Sydney with 24 points and 5 rebounds, followed by Tahlia Tupaea with 23 points and Alex Wilson with 18, 12 of which were from threes.

Flames coach Katrina Hibbert called the win a “nice reward” for the team who prior to today were sitting at 0-3, however admitted there is still some work to do.

“We gave up a 20-point lead,” she said. “We need to tidy up. We don’t want to allow teams back into the game like we did today.”

Despite this work-on, Hibbert was pleased to celebrate her first win as coach in front of a full home crowd gathered for the Flames’ annual Indigenous Round (presented in partnership with the University of Sydney).

The Flames looked outstanding in their specially-designed uniforms by artist, Bruce Shillingsworth and daughter, Serika (pictured), and the day was a full celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures, bringing the community together through basketball with a Tribal Warrior performance wowing the crowd at half time.

The Flames will again face off against the Caps in Canberra on Saturday for their Indigenous Round, before returning to Brydens Stadium on Thursday, 7 November at 7pm for Student Round against Townsville. Grab your tickets here.