Team effort in the West

The JCU Townsville Fire secured a sixth straight victory and in doing so ended Perth’s prolonged winning streak after getting the better of the Lynx in an entertaining encounter at the Bendat Basketball Centre. The visitors consolidated third spot on the ladder with a 91 -81 triumph despite missing captain Lauren Nicholson and Shyla Heal stepping onto the court for the First time back in Free colours.

Karlie Samuelson was impressed by her new teammates immediate impact, in difficult circumstances, given Heal had limited preparations with the squad.

“Shyla you know first day on the job, she did a good job. Happy to have her, I think she’s happy to be here so I think it’s a good thing for us.”

The import also praised Courtney Woods for her dynamic finish to the contest. The guard collected half of her 20 point haul in the final quarter when Townsville needed someone to step up, after going behind, having held a 22 point lead before the main break.

“They came out hot in the third quarter and Perth are that kind of team, that they can get going and get you shaking a little bit but we just stuck in there. I mean Woody made some big plays down the stretch.”

Samuelson starred in the first half hitting 21 of her game high 26 points. The American’s continuing to pick up nuances of the WNBL as the season progresses.

“You know I’ve played pro for a little while now, this is my first year in Australis so I’m just learning from the girls. When you’re in a new country a new league they know a lot about the players that have grown up here and played, so I’m just trying to take it all in.”

The Fire will take a major step to securing their spot in the finals if they can overcome the Lynx again on Saturday night. Catch the action on the NINE NOW App, or follow score updates on the club’s social media pages.