Game Preview: Caps look to bounce back vs Geelong

The UC Capitals will have little time to think about last night’s narrow overtime loss against the Sydney Flames, as they travel to Victoria to play Geelong United tomorrow night in another crucial match in their bid to play finals basketball.
Despite the agonising loss to the Flames, the short turnaround could do wonders for the Caps as it gives the team an immediate chance to get back on track.
Captain Jade Melbourne was brilliant against the Flames, delivering 28 points (10/19 fgs), 10 rebounds, and 4 assists – one of her best performances all season. She was supported by Nyadiew Puoch (19 and 11), Charli Collier (15 and 7) and Nicole Munger (13 and 8) as the Caps and Flames went blow for blow in the game of the season so far.
The game against United tomorrow night should be no different. Like Sydney and Canberra, Geelong is also in the midst of the race for fourth. With the Caps already securing the season split against Geelong, another win against them would almost push United out of the race.
“Short-term memory, we just gotta move on from this and get ready for Geelong. We can’t dwell on this result, we need to think about Geelong and what’s at stake,” said Coach Paul Goriss.
For the Caps, the equation is simple – win out, and they’re likely in. Of course it’s easier said than done and they would need another spirited effort tomorrow night. Geelong has been battling hard despite losing star Keely Froling for the season. Haley Jones (14.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.2apg) has continued to lead the way for United, and former Cap Alex Sharp has steadily found her footing after joining the team in late December.
But no one has stepped up her game more for Geelong than Jaz Shelley, who has been on a tear increasing her scoring to over 18 points per game since the team lost Froling (after scoring in double digits only once – 10 pts vs Sydney – in the team’s first 12 games). The Caps have done a good job on Shelley in their first two meetings, but the rookie guard is playing with a different level of confidence this past month.

The Caps will once again rely on their Big 4 of Jade, Charli, Nards, and Munger. Indi Bowyer has stepped up since entering the starting lineup three games ago, averaging almost 10ppg, while providing valuable floor spacing and defense for the group. Katie Deeble has been her usual 3-and-D self since returning to the lineup in late December, and Abby Bishop will continue to provide backup frontcourt minutes and a steadying veteran presence for the shorthanded group.
“There’s still a lot of confidence within the group. The finals remain the goal. At the end of the day we pushed a good team, and a team that’s just as hungry as into overtime,” said Jade Melbourne.
After a couple of lean years, the Capitals are once again playing meaningful games in late January and heading into February. Jade is relishing the opportunity for the group to keep playing in a playoff atmosphere the rest of the way.
“We’re a young group, we love to go out there and have fun and compete, so we’ll go clean a few things up, and we’ve got every opportunity to beat three really good teams, so why not.”
“It’s fun, playing games that actually mean something in late January is a bit different for me, and I came out there tonight and absolutely enjoyed every minute.”
“To be playing this kind of basketball is important for our group, and the crowd was great tonight and just being in this environment is good for us as a young team and it’s only going to help us going forward.”
The UC Capitals face Geelong United at the Geelong Arena at 7.30pm on Saturday 1 February. You can catch the action on 9Now.