Bat Girl stars ahead of Halloween showdown
JCU Townsville Fire captain Suzy Batkovic has reaffirmed her MVP credentials after leading her side to a 15-point win over the UC Capitals on the road.
With the Fire poised to host the Melbourne Boomers at Townsville Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Batkovic was simply brilliant against the Caps, finishing with a game-high 27 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and five steals to snap a two-game losing streak.
Having created history last season by capturing her fifth WNBL MVP, a sixth is surely in sight for the triple Olympian who shrugged off a slow start to the season to return to her dominant best.
While the Fire skipper was simply brilliant, she found much needed support from imports Laurin Mincy (14 points and three rebounds) and Sydney Wiese (11 points) who kept the scoreboard ticking over when the visitors needed it most.
Darcee Garbin (11 points and four rebounds) and Cayla George (10 points and nine rebounds) were also impressive, while Kelly Wilson (four points and six assists) controlled proceedings in the second half as a steady hand for the Fire.
“Offensively we were much better tonight,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.
“We had a good spread of contributors and we found a way to win.
“We also made some adjustments on the defensive end at half-time – which was needed – but I thought we did a good job of following our scout.”
The Fire made a worrying start for the fourth time is as many games, with the Capitals making a hot start.
The Capitals went into the first change leading 29-24 and maintained the cushion at the main break as they clinched a 48-43 result.
While Batkovic was flirting with a double-double at half-time, she found her groove in the second half as she finally handed the Fire the lead and Wiese and Mincy were her partners in crime.
The visitors continued to power away in the second half and will now turn their attention to Melbourne on Sunday when they host them in their annual Halloween showdown.
Click here to see full box scores between the Capitals and the Fire.