Fire poised for Sydney showdown
The JCU Townsville Fire’s play-off destiny may well be determined tonight.
In a quirk of the draw, the Fire and the Flames, who are destined to meet in next week’s semi-finals, will face off against each other at Brydens Stadium this evening with the winner all but assured of securing second spot.
While a win for the Fire (13-6) will guarantee the higher seed, the Flames (12-7) would still need to beat Bendigo on Sunday – or have the Fire lose to Perth – to leapfrog them from third.
The JCU Townsville Fire are at home for the final time in 2017 on NYE! Get there to see the Fire host the Lynx —> https://t.co/FF4HyssKpt #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/d4JqrWK9JG
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) December 28, 2017
At stake, is the prospect of game three of the semi-final series on their home floor, with little separating the Fire and the Flames over the past two seasons.
Since the beginning of 2016/17, six of their eight games have been decided by six points or less.
“We just have to stay focused on what we got to do, because Sydney’s a really good team,” Fire import Sydney Wiese told the Townsville Bulletin before flying out yesterday.
“This is the big game for both of us, so everyone’s going to have their A game going into this weekend.
“We have to make sure we stay together, stay focused and play hard.
“Hopefully some shots fall, and hopefully a couple of their shots don’t fall, so we’ll see how it turns out.”
WATCH| Check out @swiesebaby24 & her entry for shot of the season! See Sydn3y & the Fire in action on NYE —> https://t.co/FF4HyssKpt #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/n1wdCUjSeq
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) December 28, 2017
Under the WNBL’s away-home-home format, tonight’s vanquished opponent will host the first semi-final on Thursday, January 4 before the series moves inter-state.
A victory for the Fire would see a home semi-final at Townsville Stadium on Saturday, January 6 and Monday, January 8 (if required).
The Fire will release ticketing information to their members and fans once the semi-finals are known.
Fox Sports will live stream tonight’s game between the Fire and the Flames from 5pm.
Click here to watch the Fox Sports live stream.