Fire go 2 from 2
The JCU Fire started slowly against Adelaide and delivered a rather forgetful final quarter but some brilliant basketball in between was enough to claim consecutive wins, to start the season. The Lightning led nine nil before the home side scored a much-needed bucket. From then Townsville took control and headed to half time with a double-digit advantage, on the back of Karlie Samuelson scoring 15 of her 20 points before the main break. The import was delighted her sharp shooting helped turned the tide.
“We started a little slow, I’m glad we dug ourselves out of that hole. I’m glad we got our shots going.”
The margin blew out to 16 early in the fourth period and perhaps eyeing a mouthwatering clash with fellow unbeaten team Southside, the hosts took their foot of the gas. It almost proved costly as the visitors cut the deficit to a point. The JCU Fire survived the scare to secure an 84-79 victory.
Tianna Hawkins was the standout performer, in just her second WNBL appearance. The American amassed 33 points. She also topped the rebounding, dragging down 10 boards. The WNBA veteran made her presence felt on the court, as well as the stats sheets.
“It’s a physical game and it’s a physical game over here too. But I love it. I love playing with physicality and I’m still learning about it since I’ve been here you know, it’s a great league.”
She’ll look to spearhead the offence again, against the Flyers. Townsville’s turn around is short, with the teams facing off on Wednesday night.
“The biggest thing is, we can’t have slow starts. We can’t start behind, we know Southside is a very talented team, so we’ve got to come out aggressive, ready to compete and win.”
The Fire will aim to end a run of three successive home games with a hat-trick of wins. Tickets for the game at the Fire Pit are available.