Fire Fall short against UC Capitals

The JCU Townsville Fire fall short in their second game in Mackay, with the Capitals securing a 78-67 victory.

Despite the short turnaround for both teams, it seemed no toll was taken on fatigue as the game tipped off an aggressive gameplay.

The point margin remained tight as Coach Shannon Seebohm quickly fired his lineup into action late in the first quarter.

Early pressure from Aukoso and driving forces from game standout Shyla Heal, the Fire used an early momentum to threaten another potential win.

In her second game for the WNBL, Queenslander Courtney Woods sealed a tight first quarter for the fire with a one point lead.

The remainder of the half saw the fire run their offensive sets on the back top scorers Shyla Heal (18 points and 4 rebounds) and Lauren Nicholson (19 points and 4 rebounds).

Whilst a three point lead had The Capitals on the back foot, mounting personal fouls for both teams became the forefront in the second half of the matchup.

Coach Seabohm’s late injection of Stephanie Reid saw the Fire solid in transition, but tactical play began to unravel after some crucial three pointers from the opposition.

The beginning of the Fourth Quarter saw a 9 point deficit for the Fire. Although the opening minutes saw an early foul out from a key defensive rebound player, Townsville began the fight to tighten the margin.

Back to back three pointers from Nicholson and Murray, followed by a remarkable steal into a layup from Aokuso, Townsville remained fighting until the final buzzer.

A game of free throws, trading fouls and late pressure building momentum. The final push in this arm wrestle of a matchup fell in favour of the capitals, who held an 11 point margin at the end of the final quarter.

The JCU Townsville Fire now move into an immediate recovery session for yet another quick turnaround game on Tuesday night.

Townsville will host this game, as the next matchup against the Sydney Uni Flames will tip off at 7pm AEST.

Words by Jack De Lacey