Records tumble in Townsville
The JCU Townsville Fire have posted their highest ever score in almost 400 WNBL games after putting Bendigo to the sword tonight.
In a devastating display, the Fire recorded a 120-62 victory – eclipsing their previous mark of 109 which they scored on two occasions against the AIS in 2005/06 and 2009/10 – to stamp their championship credentials.
The 58-point margin fell five short of their highest ever victory which they registered against Adelaide in 2015/16, but from start to finish, the Fire were almost flawless.
Having registered a career-high 23 points against the UC Capitals on Thursday night, Darcee Garbin bettered the mark with a game-high 30 points on 10/11 shooting – 18/20 for the round – as she was named the First Things First MVP.
The JCU Townsville Fire have enjoyed a record breaking night as we posted our highest ever score – and second biggest win – in WNBL history! Darcee Garbin had career-high 30 points to be named the First Things First MVP! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/txCEKratXU
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) December 23, 2017
Cayla George (16 points and 13 rebounds) also chalked up her own slice of history as she became just the 10th Fire player to reach 1000 points for the club thanks to another double-double, while Miela Goodchild became the 101st player to debut and duly landed a three-point shot with her first attempt in the WNBL.
Five-time WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic continued her push for a sixth award with 17 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals in just 22 minutes.
“We weren’t playing for records but it’s nice to be able to collect a win,” Fire coach Claudia Brassard said.
“I thought Darcee was exceptional again – she was terrific against the Caps – and to average 27 for a weekend on 90% from the field is just phenomenal.
“We’ve got to carry that momentum into the final round and then the play-offs.”
Cayla George becomes just the 10th player in Fire history to 1000 points. Well done @CaylaGeorge23! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/QPoCVYJs12
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) December 23, 2017
Despite the victory, the Fire will need to defeat Sydney Uni next week – or rely on Bendigo upsetting the Flames and defeating Perth – to secure second on the ladder.
A loss would consign the Fire to third, but irrespective of the result, the Fire and Flames will square off in the semi-finals with Perth to host Melbourne.
Click here to see full box scores from the Fire and the Spirit.