Fire break new ground in Bendigo
The JCU Townsville Fire have enjoyed a record breaking night in Bendigo after posting their highest ever score and win over the Spirit.
For a successive occasion this season, the Fire have inflicted maximum punishment on their arch-nemesis, erasing a near 10-year record in round six and then again tonight.
While Suzy Batkovic was again the catalyst of the victory with 20 points and 10 rebounds – her 11 th double-double of the season – Sydney Wiese was named the Recoverite MVP after exploding for a game-high 26 points including 10/13 from the field.
The LA Sparks sharp-shooter had threatened to blow the WNBL open on occasions this season without ultimately doing so, but with time and space on the perimeter, she struck top gear in the second half as she nailed four of her five attempts from beyond the arc.
Early in the game, Mia Murray was the sparkplug hitting back-to-back triples in the opening quarter to help open up a 25-5 lead.
With Cayla George (13 points and 12 rebounds) proving a strong foil, the Fire looked in ominous touch but opened the door in the second half as the Spirit were able to cut the deficit to 13 at the main change.
The Fire have enjoyed a record breaking night in Bendigo after posting our highest ever score & win against the Spirit! Sydney Wiese was the Recoverite MVP with a game-high 26 points, while Suzy Batkovic (20 &10) posted her 11th double-double of the season! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/gUiTloxtkI
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) December 9, 2017
A 20-2 start to the third-quarter below the game open, however, as the Fire chalked up their 10th win over the season to move a game clear in third place.
The Fire will return to Townsville Stadium next Saturday as they host Dandenong in another must-win game.
Click here to see full box scores from the Spirit and the Fire.