Heartbreaking loss to Fire ends Flames’ season
The Sydney Flames’ WNBL24 season is officially over after losing 90-78 to the Townsville Fire at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.
The round 15 result continues the Fire’s dominance over the Hoops Capital side at that venue, with the Flames last tasting victory there in 2003.
Match summary
Scores from Didi Richards and Lauren Nicholson got the Flames on the board but they found themselves down 8-4 early on. These two went on to score the Hoops Capital side’s first 13 points, as they led 13-12 halfway through the term. The hosts then rattled off 10 of the next 12 points, to gain the ascendancy – thanks to three triples from Mikaela Ruef. A pair of driving lay-ups by Shaneice Swain kept the visitors within striking distance, with Richards’ quick-fire four points (totalling 12 for the term) making it 27-23 at the first change.
Nicholson and an and-one by Paige Bradley kept the scoreboard ticking over for the harbour city side. The former was everywhere for the Flames and when Emma Clarke landed a three, it was 35-all. Sami Whitcomb then started to turn the screws for Townsville, helping them go on a 7-2 run. After a collision between Richards and Zitina Aokuso, the Fire continued to stretch their lead to 10 points – with Amanda Zahui B providing the spark. Late free-throws by Cayla George and Riochards closed the margin to 48-40 at half-time.
A triple by Courtney Woods extended the Fire’s lead to 11 at the start of the third, which was compounded by Richards picking up her fourth foul soon after. With a number of their starters in foul trouble, Lara McSpadden and Swain made numerous big plays for Guy Molloy’s side, to make it a three-possession game. The latter’s continued strong play help offset the scoring of the Fire at the end of the third – seeing Sydney trail 67-59.
A 7-3 start by the visitors, led by Swain, Richards and Nicholson closed the lead to just five. The foul trouble for the Flames persisted as Bradley picked up her fifth with eight to play, putting the ball more in Swain’s hands – which she embraced, highlighted by a huge triple with 4.20 to make it 78-73. A three by George soon after closed it to four points but that was as close as they got, as the hosts scored the final seven points to win 90-78 and end the Flames’ WNBL24 season.
Where the match was decided
The Townsville triumph was set up by statistical wins in field goal percentage (53-45), free-throw percentage (87-68) and assists (18-13) – along with a 24-18 foul count.
Key moment
With the match on the line in the final minutes, the Fire held their nerve and scored the last seven points to secure the vital win, which locked in their minor premiership.
Player of the game
Richards top-scored for the Flames with 23 points, to go along with six rebounds and one steal.
Joining her in double-figures were Swain, who scored a season-high 19 points (to go with four steals), and Nicholson, who added 18 points, five dimes, two boards, one steal and one block.