Second-half fade sees Flames fall to United
A second-half fade by the Sydney Flames has seen them lose 90-70 to Geelong United at Geelong Arena on Friday, marking the latter’s first-ever win over the Hoops Capital side.
Match summary
In a high-scoring opening term, the Flames managed to gain the ascendancy, behind the strong play of skipper Cayla George, to lead 27-22 at the first change.
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The hosts hit back in the second, despite the best efforts of the Hoops Capital side to keep their noses in front. At the end of the first half, nothing could separate the two sides (46-all) although Sydney had George (16 points and 11 rebounds), Shaneice Swain and Talia Tupaea (both 10) in double-figure scoring.
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That small piece of momentum that the hosts had gained in the second exploded in the third, as Geelong won the period 32-16.
The fourth was a low-scoring affair, with only 20 points being scored in total, with Geelong registering 12 of them – to run out 20-point winners.
Where the match was decided
Geelong’s triumph was set up for superior statistics in field goal percentage (43-39), free-throw percentage (91-64), rebounds (41-37), points in the paint (50-24), points off turnovers (27-9), bench points (23-9) and fast-break points (34-7) – while also committing fewer turnovers than the Flames (21-10).
Key moment
A 32-16 third quarter proved key in Geelong’s round 12 victory.
Player of the game
Captain George did all she could in the defeat, scoring a game-high 27 points, to go along with her 17 rebounds and four blocks.
Other to score in double-figures were Swain (13), Tupaea (10) and Celeste Taylor (10).
What’s next
The Flames, who are now 5-9, now return home for Hoops Capital’s Pink Hoops double-header on Sunday, January 19, where they’ll host Adelaide from 11.45am.
Tickets to the hoops extravaganza, which will also see the Kings battle Tasmania, are still available here.