Caps sweep season series against Geelong, keeps finals hopes alive

February 1, 2025 | UC Capitals news

Caps sweep season series against Geelong, keeps finals hopes alive

After a tough overtime loss to the Sydney Flames just two nights ago, the UC Capitals got back on track in their bid for finals berth by beating Geelong United on the road, 91-77. The win secured a season series sweep against United, and also kept the Caps within half a game of Sydney in the race for the 4th and final playoff spot, with an all-important battle against the Flames coming next Sunday.

The Caps Big 4 of Jade, Charli, Munger and Nards led the way in this one, with each scoring in double figures. They got ample contributions from Indi Bowyer, Mon Bobongie, Katie Deeble, and Abby Bishop in a dominant second half to help secure the victory.

Here’s how it played out.

First quarter

In a crucial match in the race for the final playoff spot, both teams’ offenses were flowing in the first quarter. The Caps took advantage of a depleted United frontline, with Nards and Charli dominating inside early. But Geelong, led by Haley Jones, would not be outdone. The back-and-forth quarter featured multiple lead changes, until United would open up a slight 21-17 lead on a 3-pointer by Alex Sharp. But Jade and Charli proved why they are one of the best one-two punches in the league, combining for all 11 points as the Caps ended the quarter outscoring United 11-4 to take a 28-25 lead.

 

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UC Caps 28
Geelong United 25

Second quarter

Charli opened the quarter with a middy, and the Caps defense stifled a few Geelong possessions. After Haley Jones inside basket, Munger hit a corner 3 forcing a Geelong timeout. Off the timeout, Alex Sharp would hit a fadeaway, but the Caps rattled off six straight points to open up a 39-29 lead. Geelong would battle back countering with an 8-2 scoring run, forcing a Caps timeout. Jade responded with a 3, but Gemma Potter answered right back with an and-1. Munger continued with her stellar play grabbing and offensive rebound to put the Caps back up 6.

 

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HALFTIME

UC Caps 46
Charli Collier 15pts 2rebs
Nicole Munger 12pts 5rebs 2stls 1blk
Jade Melbourne 9pts 3rebs 3asts

Geelong United 41
Haley Jones 15pts 2rebs 1ast
Alex Sharp12pts 3rebs 1ast
Hannah Hank 9pts 4rebs 2blks

Third quarter

Jade opened up the quarter picking former teammate Alex Sharp’s pocket. Hannah Hank followed with a midrange, but it was all Caps from there as the team unloaded a 20-5 run, highlighted by three straight 3s from Indi Bowyer, and some flawless drives by Nards. Hannah Hank continued her stellar game, hitting back to back middys forcing a Caps timeout. After a few empty possessions from both sides, Abby Bishop ended the quarter with a beautiful dish to Katie Deeble for an open layup to restore a 70-54 lead for the visitors.

 

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UC Caps 70
Geelong United 54

Fourth quarter

Charli started the quarter off with a tough And-1 to put the lead back up to 19. After a 6-0 run by Geelong to pull it back down to 13, the Caps called timeout to settle down. The Caps would respond with a 9-2 run, with 18-year old Mon Bobongie starring on both ends, nailing a run ending 3, and converting a steal into a coast to coast layup to restore the 19 point lead. Things started to get chippy with Sharpy getting called for an unsportsmanlike foul for shoulder checking Nards with 3:08 to go. United wouldn’t go down quietly, going on a 10-1 run to cut the lead 83-74 with just over a minute to go. But the Caps beat the United full court press and ended up with Munger dishing it off to Charli for an and-1 to put the game away.

 

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FINAL

UC Caps 91

Charli Collier 23pts 6rebs 1stl 1blk
Jade Melbourne 17pts 5rebs 6asts 4stls
Nicole Munger 14pts 7rebs 2asts 2stls 2blks

Geelong United 77

Alex Sharp 23pts 8rebs 1ast
Hannah Hank 19pts 12rebs 2blks
Haley Jones 19pts 4rebs

NEXT GAME: UC Caps v Sydney Flames, 3pm Sunday 9 February at the AIS Arena. Get your tickets here.