Fire drop Flames clash

December 29, 2017 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire have suffered a disappointing loss on the eve of the play-offs against the Sydney Uni Flames.

With the two sides assured of meeting in next week’s semi-finals, the Flames secured a 107-81 victory to all but seal second position on the ladder.

The Fire will have to rely on Bendigo upsetting the Flames on New Year’s Eve, while holding up their end of the bargain by defeating Perth at Townsville Stadium.

With plenty at stake tonight, the Fire made yet another slow start as they fell behind 4-13 in the early stages of the opening quarter.

Mikhaela Donnelly’s (nine points and three assists) injection into the game provided the fire with a spark, while Darcee Garbin (20 points and 11 rebounds) was also telling as she made her impact known.

With the Flames splashing everything from outside, the hosts held an eight-point lead at the first change which was contained for most of the second quarter.

A Cayla George (12 points and five rebounds) jumper in the second term took her past 3000 career WNBL points, but the Flames continued to hold the ascendancy as they led 50-43 at half-time.

A withering start to the third term blew the game open, however, as the Flames put on a shooting clinic to stretch the lead beyond 20.

The Fire had no answers for the reigning WNBL champions down the stretch as they cruised to a comfortable victory.

Sydney Wiese finished with 13 points, while Suzy Batkovic was well contained to just nine points and eight rebounds.

The Fire host the Lynx at Townsville Stadium on New Year’s Eve from 1pm.

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

 

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