Fire finish 2018 on a winning note

December 30, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

The JCU Townsville Fire will bring in the New Year on a winning note after defeating the Sydney Uni Flames 93-80.

Having endured a tough run throughout December with star skipper Suzy Batkovic sitting on the sidelines, the Fire re-found their offensive rhythm as Ally Malott (19 points, eight rebounds and three blocks) led four players in double figures.

Tess Madgen (nine points, five rebounds and nine assists) and Stella Beck (nine points, nine rebounds and four assists) both flited with double-doubles.

During a hot start to the game, Darcee Garbin (16 points and four rebounds) made back-to-back baskets before the Flames were able to go on a run.

Madgen was able to keep the reigning champions in striking distance with Zitina Aokuso (15 points, two rebounds and two assists) providing some scoring punch off the bench.

Trailing 20-23 at quarter-time, the Flames were able to double their advantage before Malott took over.

The WNBA draftee tallied 15 consecutive points including four-of-four from beyond the arc to snatch the lead in the shadows of half-time.

A Tahlia Tupaea buzzer beater, however, provided the hosts with a slender 41-39 margin at the main change.

In the second half, Garbin again began aggressively as she bookended a triple from Madgen with scores of her own.

Aokuso then rattled off nine of the next 11 points for the Fire before Garbin stroked a late triple to provide a 65-63 lead at three-quarter-time.

In the final term, Beck started to run hot before Casey Samuels (11 points) struck three daggers from long-range to ensure a double-digit victory.

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