Tupaea set to join WNBL’s 150-game club

January 18, 2025 | Sydney Flames news

Sunday will not only be the third annual Pink Hoops but also Flame #147 Tahlia Tupaea’s 150th game in the league.

Since debuting with the Flames as a 15-year-old in 2012 and spending eight seasons with the Hoops Capital team, the Penrith talent has also enjoyed stints at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Canberra, UC Capitals and Northern Kahu – before returning to Sydney for WNBL25.

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“It’s a special milestone – it’s a league I grew up watching and have been a part of for a long time, so its nice to get the milestone,” said Tupaea, who admitted due to her time away from the game, she had her doubts she’d ever reach this mark.

“There has been so much support in Sydney in WNBL and at home in Penrith starting my career.

“Thanks to the club’s belief in signing me as a 15-year-old, to Alicia Poto for her nurturing and encouragement on and off the court.

Making the occasion even more special for the Australian (junior) and New Zealand (senior) representative is the fact she’s celebrating the milestone during the club’s Hoops Pink double-header in Sydney.

“It’s very special [to bring up the milestone in Sydney] as this is where I started my career and it’s home to me,” said Tupaea, who was selected with the 36th pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2017 WNBA Draft.

“Being able to play in front of my family and friends has been awesome and they have supported me throughout my journey.

“[Adding to that] to play my 150th during Pink Hoops is amazing.

“It’s the third annual year raising funds for the McGrath Foundation, in support of Tiana, who is one of our assistant coaches and someone who I was able to play alongside at the under 19 World Championships in 2013, claiming bronze.”

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The round 12 fixture at Qudos Bank Arena will pit Tupaea’s harbour city side against Adelaide, another team chasing a finals spot.

“[The keys on Sunday will be] defence, getting multiple stops throughout the game, boxing out and rebounding – we just need a defence-first mindset and the offence will follow,” the NSW talent said.

“It’s a crucial match for us, as it’s important for us to get as many wins as we can during this back-end of the season.

“We want to get that finals spot and as a team and club, and we believe we can get there.”

Tickets to the double-header, which will also see the Kings battle Tasmania, are still available here.