Preview: The UC Caps wary of Flyers talent despite their record
- When: Saturday, 5 February at 7:30pm
- Where: National Convention Centre Canberra
- How to watch: live at the NCCC or via Kayo
The UC Capitals will take on the reigning champs on Saturday night for the first time this season for the ActewAGL Round.
ActewAGL are bringing back the pre-game crowdsourced Light Show to give the UC Capitals the boost they’ll need to get the win, so get ready to join in on the fun and view the instructions here.
The Capitals are on a momentum high having turned around the trajectory of their season with three straight wins including, most recently, against the Adelaide Lightning who were at the top of the table.
Now taking a place in the top four once again, the UC Caps have proved they are a finals contender this season.
“I think we’ve kind of been the underdogs this season and that sits fine with me,” said Paul Goriss.
“Everyone is talking about, and fair enough, the talent level that Perth and Melbourne have and we’ve kind of been in the background, and that’s okay this us.
“We don’t need credit or any of those things. There’s always been the belief in this group that we can be a championship contender. We know within ourselves that we’re definitely up there with the best teams in the league.”
The Southside Flyers have struggled this season with a string of COVID-19 disruptions that have impacted their ability to find their rhythm – something the UC Caps can resonate with.
The Capitals are proof of how quickly things can turn around, though, so they’ll be careful not to underestimate the Flyers as while they may be sitting sixth on the ladder, their record certainly doesn’t reflect their talent.
“They don’t have any imports, but if you look at their Australian talent, they’ve got Opals galore in their group,” said Goriss.
“They’ve got depth, good size, experience and speed. They’ve had some tough close losses – most of them have been by single points or in overtime games, so I think they’re on the cusp. If they play to their potential and everyone’s healthy, they are a dangerous team.”
The Flyers are also coming off their first win of the year, having pulled off an amazing comeback against the Sydney Flames in Round 9. It was the first time that their starting 5, led by Jenna O’Hea, Bec Cole, Maddi Rocci, Abby Bishop and Sara Blicavs, were back on the court together again. Although still missing Aimie Rocci, the team overcame a 15 point margin in the final quarter to win the game.
This game will be packed with key match ups on both ends, with Britt Smart looking to match sharpshooters O’Hea and Cole, Kelsey Griffin and Mikaela Ruef going to work on Bishop and Blicavs, and Britt Sykes and Kelly Wilson on Kristy Wallace and Rocci.
This will be the first time Caps fans will see Rocci return to her former home court as she’ll experience the crowd’s wrath she once enjoyed.
To purchase tickets, click here.
To view the Game Day Program, click here.