SYDNEY SHOOTOUT BETWEEN FIRE AND FLAMES
The Fire finishes the WNBL’s regular season with a last round double header, starting in Sydney this evening and ending in Townsville on the weekend. A win over Perth on Sunday will secure second spot on the ladder and home court advantage against the same opponent in the semi-finals, regardless of the Flames result. But coach Shannon Seebohm doesn’t want the visitors to hold back tonight, as they chase an eighth straight victory.
“We know that the Perth game is to clinch second spot but we want to play Sydney and continue building on the way we’ve played in the last month and a half or so. And we’ve sort of said as team, it’s about just continually improving, we want to play better each and every game and we’re not going to think too far ahead.”
The Fire will also be aiming to secure a fourth season series sweep having whitewashed Geelong, Adelaide and Southside. Previous wins were both at home and both on the back of dominant first half displays and while Shanice Swain sunk 40 points in Townsville last time out, Seebohm’s side won’t be straying too much from what’s worked well, in order try and restrict the Sharp shooter’s scoring.
“Yeah she had 40 points but we held everyone else under double figures and we won the game by 14 points, so at the end of the day it’s about winning the game. So yeah, while we need to do a better job on her and contain her, as long as we do what we need to do to win, that’s what’s most important.”
The hosts also have every intention of coming out on top tonight, despite Sydney securing the fourth and final playoff position by beating the Capitals last round. Guard Isabella Bracatisiano believes facing the Fire is a perfect test ahead of going toe to toe with top of the table Bendigo in the finals.
“We’ll still be trying to win obviously because I think we need the momentum going into the finals so yeah we’ll just follow our game plan.”
Tonight’s tip off is at 6pm, catch the action on the ESPN or follow the Fire’s social media for updates.
Next Home game: Sunday 16th Feb 2025, get your tickets here
Road to Finals
