THURSDAY night’s action in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) saw a double overtime thriller between two finals contenders, with the Sydney Flames defeating the UC Capitals on the back of a starring performance from Shaneice Swain.

Both sides are vying for fourth spot, with the Flames currently occupying that position as the end of the season approaches. However, the Capitals were hot on their tail coming into the clash, looking to cap off a remarkable turnaround after finishing dead last in their last campaign.

The clash at AIS Arena saw the Capitals jump out to an early seven-point buffer, but the Flames returned serve in the second quarter to cut the deficit to just one point at the main change. The two sides could not be separated at the end of four quarters after Nyadiew Puoch missed a lay-up at the buzzer to win it for the Capitals. Proceedings were tied up with just over one minute to play, but the Flames controlled the finish, sneaking home to a four-point triumph.

Swain was ultimately the difference between the two sides, posting yet another dominant offensive display in an important result for her side.

UC Capitals (88) def. by Sydney Flames (92)

Shaneice Swain – 36 points, four rebounds, six assists

It was another masterful scoring display from Swain, who has continued her excellent season by leading yet another match when it comes to the points column.

It was her first quarter that kept the Flames in the contest when the Capitals looked to break away at AIS Arena with homecourt advantage. The Sydney star posted 17 points in the first 10 minutes of the match and single-handedly kept the visitors in the contest.

From there, Swain was not quite as dominant (which is expected given how strongly she started the game), but still operated as the number one option on the offensive end, although she received greater defensive attention.

Another 12 points from Swain in the final term helped the Flames ensure they forced overtime in a clutch display from the rising superstar. She tied up proceedings with a finish at the cup with just over a minute to play, and although her game-winning attempt at the end of the fourth did not fall, she iced the game with a free throw to stretch the margin to four in the dying seconds in a strong display of composure.

Overall, Swain shot 14/24 from the field, and knocked down five triples on 12 attempts in another marvellous display of scoring power. Sydney’s postseason hopes have been given a huge boost thanks to her impressive form over the past fortnight, and if she keeps up this level of production, there is no ceiling on what the Flames can achieve this year.