The Melbourne Boomers have continued their winning streak in the WNBL for season 2023/24, winning their third game of the season against the Sydney Flames 95-80 at Qudos Bank Arena.

In the early stages of the first quarter, where both teams went basket for basket, the Flames found the momentum on their terms, with Lauren Nicholson, Didi Richards and Cayla George setting the tone and opening up space on the offensive end. Melbourne found contributions from Sara Blicavs, Keely Froling and Jordin Canada, helping the Boomers rally back on their terms.

Canada lifted in the second quarter, using her speed and aggressiveness in transition, stepping up and being another scoring option, as well as opening up opportunities for others.

Tera Reed also stepped up in the second quarter, lifting the energy and using her speed on both ends of the floor, hitting those tough shots and hustling on defence.

For the Flames, Richards continued to be a presence, driving hard and hitting tough jump shots.

Whilst both teams had scoring momentum patches, the Boomers brought the physicality and were disruptive defensively, giving themselves a four point lead at half time.

The rebound count was fairly even, with the Flames on top on the offensive glass (7-4), the Boomers dominating the defensive rebounds, (11-9), while the Flames went to the free throw line 10 more times than the opposition.

In the third quarter, a period that had plenty of up and down basketball, fast pace tempo was on display from both teams. Paige Bradley was instrumental, having great awareness passing wise around the perimeter and stepping up in the guard spot. Kiera Rowe was also influential in helping the Flames get back into the game, driving hard to the basket in transition.

The Boomers made their opportunities count, coming out of the blocks and bringing the energy, with the likes of Reed, Naz Hillmon and Penina Davidson playing a key role, helping the Melbourne maintain a double digit lead at three quarter time.

Whilst the Flames made their scoring run and fought for majority of the last quarter, getting stops defensively and carrying the momentum on their terms, with Canada, Froling and Blicavs helped the Boomers stay composed in the later stages of the game, locking in defensively and showing poise and grind through to seal victory.

Canada finished the game with 20 points, four rebounds and 13 assists. Reed, Froling and Blicavs all played a key role, each finishing with 19 points.

For the Flames, Richards finished the game with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Nicholson with 15 points, three rebounds and four assists, whilst George and Bradley both finished with 11 points each.