Southside too strong for feisty Flames

November 15, 2020 | Sydney Flames news

Match report via wnbl.basketball.com.au

It was a physical encounter to say the least, and despite the Flames best efforts to hold on for all four quarters it was the title favourites, the Jayco Southside Flyers, who came away with the 99-72 win in this afternoon’s clash at Townsville Stadium.

The Flyers had their hands full early against a feisty Flames outfit (1-2 record) that were still buzzing from Saturday’s 37-point win over Villawood Properties Bendigo Spirit.

But instead of folding, the star-studded Flyers boasting five members of the current Opals squad showed why they have been backed as the team to beat this season by overpowering the Flames.

Natalie Burton led the way for Sydney with 12 points, while livewire forward Anneli Maley nabbed 12 rebounds, including a monstrous block at the end of half time.

“They (Flyers) had a big loss (on Saturday) so we knew they were going to come out hard,” Flames Head Coach Katrina Hibbert said.

“We have played two of the top teams (Boomers, Flyers)… that is only going to help us in our process of getting better.”

In a see-sawing first term, the Flyers grabbed a 29-25 buffer at the opening break.

The lead changed seven times in a physical contest before the Flyers took control in the second quarter, pushing ahead 49-38 by halftime.

The Flames cut the deficit to five points in the third term but couldn’t deny a deep Flyers roster who led 72-59 at the final break.

With an ongoing short turn around between games, the Flames are back on court on Tuesday night to take on Townsville.

BOX SCORE

Jayco Southside Flyers 99 (Cole 27, O’Hea 19, Sara Blicavs 14)
Brydens Sydney Uni Flames 72 (Burton 12, Schwagmeyer-Belger 9, Mansfield 9, Nakkasoglu 9)