Flames put up fight against undefeated Spirit
A second-half surge by Bendigo has handed the Sydney Flames a 77-60 defeat in the WNBL 23 home opener on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena.
The round four clash, which was the second part of the club’s first double-header of the 2022-23 season following the Kings’ win against the 36ers, was part of the WNBL’s Fighting Period Poverty Round, in support of Share the Dignity.
Match summary
In front of their home fans for the first time in WNBL23, the Flames jumped out to a 7-3 thanks to guard Tiana Mangakahia. Unfortunately for the Hoops Capital side, despite strong play inside the paint by Hannah Sjerven, the Spirit fought back and led at quarter-time 17-15, following a late Anneli Maley jumper.
Sydney regained the lead early in the second following a Shyla Heal triple before the two WNBL side traded baskets – seeing the lead change hands numerous times. Ball movement and two threes each from Heal and Jocelyn Willoughby kept the harbour city in the driver’s seat in the closing stage of period number two – carrying a 39-33 advantage at the main break.
Heal and Keely Froling kept the scorers busy at the start of the third period, but the latter’s twin sister rattled off nine of the Spirit’s first 18 – to give them then 53-48 lead. Late baskets by the experienced Kelsey Griffin put Bendigo – who won the term 24-9, up 57-48 at the final break.
Needing a fast start, Heal added another three-pointer to her tally (which also saw $50 donated by Cygnett to Share The Dignity) but scoring dried up after that, as Sydney fell behind by as many as 17 – with the Spirit stepping up their defensive pressure. Despite their best efforts to reduce the margin with a barrage of triples late and four quick points from skipper Froling, Sydney couldn’t close the gap and fell to their fifth straight loss 77-60.
Where the match was decided
Sydney’s poor shooting, especially in the second half, was the biggest issue for the hosts – who only connected on 38 per cent of their shots from the field compared to 49 per cent by the Spirit. Bendigo also dominated free-throw (75 per cent to 40), rebounds (45-29), points in the paint (42-20) and bench points (22-4) in their 17-point triumph.
Key moment
The second half belonged to the Spirit, who outscored the Flames 43-21 after the break – which proved too big of an onslaught to overcome for Shane Heal’s side.
Player of the game
In a losing effort, Shyla Heal did all she couldn’t and produced one of her top performances of WNBL23 with 15 points (including three triples), four dimes, three boards and one steals.
Other to reach double figures on Sunday were Froling (17) and Willoughby (10).
What’s next
Another road trip awaits Heal’s side in round five, this time to Canberra to play the Capitals on Saturday.
The fixture at the National Convention Centre tips off at 3pm AEDT and will be broadcast live on 9Now.