Heat outlast the Fire
The JCU Townsville Fire have narrowly lost an early morning scrimmage to start their pre-season campaign.
Facing off against the Under-23 Townsville Heat men’s side, the reigning Chemist Warehouse WNBL champions overcame a slow start to lead at three-quarter-time before dropping the contest 59-62.
Casey Samuels top-scored for the Fire with 19 points, while six-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic finished with 16.
During the opening quarter, the Fire looked sluggish as the Heat’s lead threatened double figures before Samuels found her stroke from beyond the arc.
An early morning scrimmage against the U-23 Townsville Heat, who claim a 62-59 win. @13CaseyJo_ top-scored with 19, while @SuzyBatkovic finished with 16! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/DwpLZSDHsV
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) September 22, 2018
The former AIS, Capitals and Flames sharp-shooter drilled three long-range shots to level the scores at 18-18 at quarter-time.
In the second term, the Fire shared their workload as Batkovic and Mikhaela Donnelly proved a strong one-two punch.
Leading 32-28 at the main change, the Fire used the scrimmage to get miles under their legs as they trialled a number of different combinations.
Nonetheless, they still found themselves leading 43-41 at the final change before the Heat got the better of them.
The Fire will stage an official pre-season game against the Heat at TBI on Sunday, October 7 with the contest free for 2018/19 members.
The match will commence at 3pm with members also able to collect their 2018/19 merchandise at the game.
The Fire are poised to unveil their championship banner in round one when they host Dandenong at Townsville Stadium on October 14.
Click here to become a member of the Fire today.