TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

February 21, 2024 | Townsville Fire news

An early evening midweek game is an excuse for Fire fans not to turn up to tonight’s Southside showdown but the coach can think of numerous reasons why they will.

Townsville can secure the WNBL minor Premiership and home court advantage throughout the playoffs with a win, in what’s shaping to be an epic top of the table battle.

Shannon Seebohm knows an orange army of supporters will give the hosts extra inspiration.

“If we get this win against Southside it gives us the split and I believe it puts us in first place for the final standings, so you know we want as many people as possible to be out here to help support our girls, to be able to get this win and lock up top spot.”

Last year’s grand finalists delivered a second round at the Fire Pit, which had spectators hearts pumping, before being broken. The Flyers scraped home by a point after Zitina Aokuso’ buzzer beater failed to fall. The reigning champions romped to revenge when the teams faced off again in round seven, coasting to 105-77 away victory in their best performance of the season. Their worst was against Bendigo on Sunday, Seebohm saw too much tentativeness, especially offensively, he’s urged his players to be braver.

“We didn’t get to the free throw line enough in our last game and the other team shot 25 free throws so clearly we’re not attacking aggressively enough. We’re not trying to get down hill, I thought we settled for a lot of mid-range jump shots.”

The Flyers know Townsville’s too talented no to turn things around and are anticipating a reaction from the league leaders. The visitors will move to the top of the ladder if they can make it 6 wins from 7 games. Southside import Mercedes Russell believes the high stakes contest will bring out the best in both sides.

“This is the part of your season where you want to be playing your best basketball and I think we have pretty good momentum right now, so I think we just need to finish off the season strong. So just stay positive and keep playing good basketball.”

The clash tips off at 6pm. Tickets are still available purchase your seat at The Fire Pit here!