FIRE IN THE GRAND FINAL IN A NAIL BITING FINISH
Townsville blitz their way into the grand final
The JCU Townsville Fire have defied the odds in a tight preliminary final victory against the Melbourne Boomers, solidifying their position in the Grand final with a 65-62 score line.
Coach of the Year Shannon Seebohm’s champion side make their second appearance in the final in the last three years, facing off against the Southside Flyers.
“I’m just so proud of the team, they’ve just battled all year… We’ve been doubted all year and were last (position) last season, we are thrilled to be through it, we can’t wait for Sunday,” Seebohm said.
With an electric Townsville crowd behind them, The Fire set off to a tight and enduring lead, inching away with some staggering three pointers from Mia Murray and Shyla Heal.
The WNBL Youth Player of the Year sunk a mesmerising 30 points in the semi-final against the Flyers, and a further 28 in tonight’s matchup, putting her name in contention for the Opals squad.
“The girls were really good today, we all worked as a team and to come out and play like that, it was a really good game.” Heal said.
Back court wonder Lauren Nicholson and Sixth woman of the Year Zitina Aokuso also had a blinding game, with a combined total of 22 points, with Aokuso finishing on 8 rebounds.
After a tight second and third quarter, the game was set for a fourth quarter showdown. A sight well known to the Townsville side, proving once again that they can maintain a solid lead throughout 4 quarters.
With the Boomers on a late run, and a three point margin, the game was down to the wire, as a last minute foul for the Fire secured some final necessary points to secure the win.
The Squad will now head into a one day recovery before the Grand Final on Sunday against the Southside Flyers.
With the Flyers on an 8 win streak, The Fire will be looking to get away early in the match. With a home ground advantage, the Final showdown is set to ignite Townsville Stadium.
Tip-off is at 2:00pm AEST, It’s time to fire up one last time for the year Townsville fans, Lets bring it home!
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