Townsville take out the battle in the West

The Fire’s focus has turned to hosting the Lightning on another quick back up, after putting Perth away in the West. A win which was all the more impressive given the side’s short turn around after beating Adelaide. The visitors took a half to warm up against the Lynx and trailed by double digits before delivering a dominant defensive display after the main break. The coach didn’t take the plaudits for his team’s turn around though, Shannon Seebohm commended the players for stepping up.

“Some of our senior players spoke up a bit more in the locker room about our effort and consistency at the defensive end and then in the third quarter we were obviously able to get some really consistent stops and create some easy opportunities from that.”

Even Perth coach Ryan Petrik praised Townsville’s turnaround.

“They played really well, that’s why they’re the defending champions.”

Sami Whitcomb was instrumental against her former team. She racked up a game high 8 assists and also had 11 points, plus 6 rebounds. Perth guard Amy Atwell found it strange trying to stop the WNBL Stalwart.

“It was, I mean yes and no, I mean last year a lot of us guarded her at training but it was weird seeing her in different colours.”

Fire centre Zitina Aokuso could see the delight her captain expressed playing in front of her family.

“I think it meant a lot to her and she was really excited to see her family.”

Akouso’s impressive start to the season rolled on. The big finished with a team high 18 points to go along with 8 rebounds.

“I’m loving it, my teammates give me a lot of confidence to do what I need to do and Shannon trusts me to do my job and that’s what I’m doing.”

The defending champions will look to make it four straight wins when Adelaide arrives at the Fire Pit on Wednesday night. Tickets to the game can be purchased here. Tip off is at 6.