SEVENTH HEAVEN IN THE CITY OF CHURCHES
The Fire secured a seventh straight win in the penultimate round of the WNBL and no buzzer beater was required in Adelaide again. Unlike round five, last night’s contest in the city of churches didn’t go down to the wire. Townsville took control early on and built a 29-13 lead by quarter time. The next two periods were tight, with the visitors edging them both before flexing their muscles again, in an empathic63-90 victory. One which sealed a series sweep over the Lightning.
Lauren Cox scored 16 points and collected 11 rebounds to notch her fifth double double of the season. The import ‘s performance reflecting how settled she feels at the club.
“I’m just loving playing basketball here, Townsville is great! The organisation with this team, from the coaches, to the staff to the team, it’s just been really fun andI’m just really enjoying it.”
Alicia Froling was another dominant source inside, the forward finished with a game high 22 points. Fellow Co-Captain Courtney Woods nailed 15, while Abbey Ellis also hit double digits. The guard’s 14 point haul wasn’t bad but her no look pass for a Froling bucket was even better. A delightful dime which looked good from every angle of all the replays. Lauren Mansfield topped the assists sheet with five facing her former side. Townsville had 23 in total in what was a terrific team display. Cox couldn’t name a standout player.
“A big emphasis was just to start quickly and everyone that came on the floor knew what they were doing, we were all on the same page and it was just a good team win.”
The Fire will finish the regular season with a double header next week, starting on the road against the Flames before hosting Perth in what could be a straight shootout for second spot. Townsville won’t overlook its Sydney clash though, according to Cox.
“Yeah for sure we have some tough games coming up we’re just focused on the next one right now and that’s the Sydney Flames.”
Catch the Wednesday night game on ESPN and then come and help fill the Fire Pit for Sunday’s showdown with the Lynx. It’s a playoff preview deserving of a finals like atmosphere.
