Townsville Fires for Murrays Milestone

Mia’s Murray’s milestone went to script with Townsville securing a huge home win, in the veteran’s two hundredth appearance for the Fire. The co-captain received a rousing reception ahead of tip off and the roof nearly lifted off the Entertainment Centre, when she knocked down her first shot. The three times championship winner was given another epic ovation after the game; and she deserved every bit of it, according to Fire General Manager Sam Pascoe.

“It’s not just her talent, her skills and leadership on the court but she epitomises everything that we as a club, want in a person and player, involved with us.”

Development players Aliza Fabbro and Carla Drennen are at the opposite end of their careers.  The latter made her WNBL debut against Sydney, late in the contest, while Fabbro also entered the action in the dying stages. Townsville coach Shannon Seebohm was delighted for the duo.

“I think it’s great for them to get a taste of it and get out there and fire a few shots away. And hopefully it just motivates them that little bit more as well to keep putting the work in and hopefully earn a contract at some point.”

The hosts held a 10 point lead at quarter time, They doubled the margin by the final siren, securing an 84-63 victory. Lauren Nicholson scored a team high 23 points, Seebohm was glad to see the guard back near her best.

“Good to see Loz obviously find her form again, and see that ball go through the basket a little bit.”

She also dished out five assists, as did Steph Reid, to go along with her 17 points.

The Fire will look to notch a third straight win when they battle Bendigo at the Fire Pit on Thursday night. They’ll also travel to the Nation’s capital in round 11. Townsville’s Canberra clash is on Saturday.

Get your tickets to Thursdays game here