Boomers clinch a GF thriller

The JCU Townsville Fire’s bid for a third WNBL championship in four seasons has been thwarted by a resilient Melbourne Boomers line-up.

With the Fire taking game one of the series, the Boomers bounced back in front of a sold-out crowd at the Victorian State Basketball Centre, snatching a 58-57 victory thanks to a late Liz Cambage basket.

Six-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic, who was simply brilliant with 23 points and nine rebounds, appeared to have sealed the title as the clock expired only to see her runner rim out to force a game three.

The Fire will host the decider at Townsville Stadium at 6pm on Sunday night with tickets going on sale through The Ticket Shop from 9am on Friday to members.

All remaining seats will go on sale at 9am on Saturday until sold out.

Having snatched a two-point lead at quarter-time, the Fire extended it to nine at the main change thanks to five points apiece to Mia Murray and Micaela Cocks.

Batkovic went on a tear to start the third quarter as she rattled off eight points, but the Boomers made an inspired run to cut a double-digit deficit to just four at the main change.

With the two teams trading baskets, the Fire look destined to hoist the trophy aloft before the Boomers rallied.

Click here to see full box scores between the Boomers and the Fire.