Injury-ravaged Flames fight in hard-fought loss to Boomers

January 19, 2020 | Sydney Flames news

Despite their recent injury woes, the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames fought valiantly in a 76-62 loss to Melbourne Boomers on Saturday night, contesting strongly until a final quarter blow-out widened the margin.

Sydney Uni were off to a rapid-fire start thanks to the hot hand of Brittany Smart, who was full of energy in just her fourth appearance of the season, lighting it up with a trio of three-pointers in the first quarter.

Melbourne took control in the second period to take a 43-36 lead, however the Flames kept the game within reach as Lauren Scherf, who had 14 points and 11 boards on the night, and Smart kept the scoreboard ticking.

Their hard work came undone in the fourth quarter as Boomers centre Ezi Magbegor stepped up to make sure her side snapped a two-game losing streak after overtime defeats against Southside Flyers and UC Capitals.

The undermanned Flames were without starters Colleen Planeta (knee), Alice Kunek (elbow) and Tahlia Tupaea (knee), but there was no signs of a lack of confidence as all but one player got on the scorer’s sheet as the team evenly shared the extra responsibilities placed on their shoulders.

Smart topped-scored with 18 points, while Scherf followed on 14 points, plus there were solid contributions from Jess Kuster (6 points), Sarah Graham (5 points) and Ally Wilson (5 points).

The Flames’ final home fixture is on Thursday 30th January against Bengido Spirit where we will farewell captain Sarah Graham. Secure your tickets here.