A CAREER-BEST performance from Isabella Brancatisano has helped the Sydney Flames secure a spot in the finals after defeating the UC Capitals by 15 points in the penultimate round of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

Coming into the clash, the stakes were incredibly high for both sides. The Flames had the opportunity to cement fourth spot, while the Capitals were Sydney’s biggest competitor for the finals spot, and if Canberra was to get a win here, it would keep the race for fourth wide open.

It was a tight tussle for the first three quarters, with the game looking set to go down to the wire thanks to Sydney holding just a four-point lead. However, the Flames dominated the final term, outscoring the Flames 32-21 in the fourth period to snag a 15-point win and ensure their hunt for the championship continued.

It was a breakout performance from Brancastisano, who erupted for the best showing of her short career and showed what she is capable of.

UC Capitals (71) def. by Sydney Flames (86)

Isabella Brancastisano – 26 points, seven rebounds, one assist, four steals

Brancastisano put her name in lights with a match-winning performance against the Capitals at AIS Arena over the weekend, dominating a season-defining clash for the Flames and showing just how big of a role she can play in Sydney’s hunt for the championship.

It was a red-hot shooting performance that helped the 20-year-old break the game open, with Brancastisano knocking down eight of her 12 attempts from behind the arc. She was able to get free off the ball and trusted in her shot to find her rhythm from three-point territory.

With Cayla George a late out due to a foot injury, there was room for someone to pick up the slack on the offensive end. The Flames young gun was the one to make the most of the opportunity, generating the most productive performance of her career, and recording the equal fifth-most three-pointers in a game in WNBL history.

Her production on the offensive end was reflected in her defensive energy, with Brancastisano recording four steals and creating plenty of scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. The Flames were excellent scoring in transition, recording more fast break points than their opponents, and the young gun was a key figure in this dominance.

On the eve of finals, Brancastisano was a star for the Flames, showing her range with a terrific showing from downtown, and adding another weapon to a Sydney roster that is already extremely dangerous in the upcoming postseason.