The Fire drop the hammer
The JCU Townsville Fire have answered their critics in the most emphatic fashion with a 42-point demolition job over Adelaide.
Following Thursday night’s disappointing road loss to Perth, many pundits were quick to question the Fire’s championship bona fides, querying whether they had the personnel to make a run at a third title in four years.
Today the answer was simple: yes.
The Fire had contributors right across the court in the 84-42 victory with five in double figures, as well as floor generals Kelly Wilson (four points, four rebounds and 10 assists) and Mikhaela Donnelly (seven rebounds and seven assists) combing for 17 dimes.
The JCU Townsville Fire have answered their critics with a 42-point victory over Adelaide. Check out all the key stats! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/6pGXKHTK0t
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) November 5, 2017
Claudia Brassard enjoyed the luxury of sitting captain Suzy Batkovic (20 points and seven rebounds) for the entire final quarter, and in her absence, Darcee Garbin (14 points and six rebounds) and Laurin Mincy (13 points and three rebounds) stood tall.
“It was a much better performance,” Brassard said.
“We came out with much better energy – we executed our scout – and we played the brand of basketball that we want to play.
“I thought Kelly and Mik did a great job of sharing the ball and our shooters were able to knock down shots.”
The Fire stunned the Lightning in the opening quarter as Batkovic and Sydney Wiese (10 points and five rebounds) went to work.
With Wilson steering the side around the court – she had eight assists by the main change – they were able to open up a 27-9 lead at the first change.
The Fire maintained the rage in the second term as Mia Murray (13 points, two rebounds and two assists) found her stroke.
Leading 47-20 at the main change, Batkovic scored 10 of her 20 points in the third quarter to put the game beyond doubt before the Fire roared home to post their most impressive win of the season.
Click here to see full box scores from today’s game between the Fire and the Lightning.