Winter Update| Garbin destroys Japan

A thunderous double-double from Darcee Garbin ahead of the World Uni Games commences this week’s Winter Update. With Australia participating in a Four Nations tournament in Japan, Garbin put the hosts to the sword last night as she posted 26 points and 10 rebounds en route to an 85-74 victory. A night earlier, Garbin posted eight points and four rebounds against Team USA as Australia suffered a 63-78 loss. In the WNBA, Cayla George has continued her hot hand for Phoenix with eight points and four rebounds in an 89-98 loss to Seattle. George stroked two of her four long-range attempts and was a crucial sparkplug coming off the bench for the Mercury. LA Sparks sharp-shooter Sydney Wiese finished with five points after going two of two from the field in their 70-64 victory over Minnesota. In the QBL, the Townsville Flames’ championship hopes are over after suffering a quarter-final loss to Gladstone. With MVP fancy Darcee Garbin missing on international duties, the Flames lost a thriller 74-78 despite a stunning performance from Mia Murray. The Fire vice-captain was simply brilliant as she top-scored with 32 points and eight rebounds for the Flames, including 8/11 from distance. Rising star Haylee Andrews finished with eight points, three rebounds and three assists after being injected into the starting line-up. There was better news for Mackay and Logan, however, with both teams advancing to a semi-final showdown, meaning at least one Fire player will contest the QBL Grand Final. Micaela Cocks led Mackay to a 78-74 victory over Ipswich with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Miela Goodchild and the Thunder had an easier time of things disposing of the Brisbane Capitals 87-56. Goodchild posting three points, four rebounds and an assist. Finally, Kelly Wilson has guided Bendigo into the SEABL Conference Final after downing Dandenong at the weekend. Having returned from injury, Wilson finished with 16 points, six assists and four rebounds as the Lady Braves upset the Rangers 74-59 to advance directly to the Conference Final in a fortnight.