THE PRESEASON action in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) continued earlier today, as the UC Capitals defeated the Sydney Flames in an exhibition clash at Belconnen Basketball Centre.

With the 2025/26 season set to kick off in less than two weeks, the final preparations are underway for what should be an exciting few months of basketball action given how many teams are right in the championship window.

The clash between the Capitals and the Flames was the penultimate preseason game before the final match between the Bendigo Spirit and the Southside Flyers tomorrow night. Both Canberra and Sydney consider themselves as championship contenders in the upcoming campaign, so today’s matchup would be an indicator of where the two teams are at.

After what was a close affair in the first three quarters, the Capitals broke away in the final 10 minutes of play to cruise home to a 13-point triumph in their home state and head into the upcoming season with some momentum.

UC Capitals (85) def. Sydney Flames (72)

The Capitals were in control for most of the match at Belconnen Basketball Centre on Tuesday, leading for all but 11 seconds of the clash as Canberra showed how impressive its roster build has been over the past few months.

Although the Flames were still within striking distance at three-quarter time, the Capitals owned the final frame, outscoring the opposition 22-11 in the fourth frame, essentially putting the game to bed by closing out the match so strongly.

It was a strong balance of performers for the Capitals, with four players scoring 10 or more points in the preseason win. Canberra had seemingly recruited strongly over the off-season, and today’s performance reflected how well-rounded its roster will be for the upcoming season.

Leading the way was Kadiatou Sissoko, with the French forward pouring in a game-high 18 points in the win and showing she could be one of the recruits of the season. Scoring across all three levels and shooting 60 per cent from the field, Sissoko will be a massive weapon for the Capitals on the offensive end.

Not far behind her was Nicole Munger, who poured in 17 points of her own in the win, thanks to nailing three triples on five attempts, while 20-year-old Jayda Clark impressed with 13 points off the bench and Nyadiew Puoch rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.

For the Flames, Shaneice Swain was the driving factor in keeping the visitors in the match for so long, pouring in 17 points while also delivering on the defensive end with seven steals in a strong two-way performance, although eight turnovers was a disappointing factor in her game.

Import Unique Thompson caught the eye with 16 points of her own, while Agnes Emma-Nnopu (14 points, seven rebounds) and Keely Froling (11 points) also performed strongly despite losing the match.