TOWNSVILLE Fire bounced back emphatically ahead of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) playoffs, defeating the UC Capitals by eight points at the National Convention Centre on Tuesday night.

The Fire looked to recover following a two-game losing streak and their postponed match on Saturday night against the Southside Flyers. The Capitals were in a similar boat following their losses against Bendigo and Adelaide on the road, making for an intriguing clash.

Townsville Fire (91) def. UC Capitals (83)

For majority of the first quarter, the Fire were able to build momentum after a slow start to the match. Whilst both teams attacked the pick and roll and found mismatches, the Capitals weren’t able to convert most of their opportunities under the basket, whilst the Fire opened the game attacking the hoop offensively in transition.

Sami Whitcomb and Steph Reid played a key role in helping win ball back defensively, applying pressure and getting others into the match with wide open looks. Whilst the Caps charged back later in the second quarter, the Fire maintained a seven-point lead at half time.

Although the Capitals won the second quarter, 24-22, the Fire won the third quarter 29-16, as the Capitals were forced into errors and turnovers.

The Capitals won the last quarter, 27-15, with Canberra finding momentum late and hitting baskets at crucial stages, but the Fire held on to bounce back onto the winners’ list, resulting in a 91-83 victory.

Reid had an influential role in the Fire’s victory, finishing as the top scorer, 23 points, seven assists and one rebound. Whitcomb was on song from the perimeter with 22 points, three rebounds and one assist.

Courtney Woods became a playmaker and played a great facilitator role, ending with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Cassandra Brown gave a spark off the bench and was lights out from the field, pouring in 14 points and five rebounds, whilst Mikaela Ruef was also crashing the boards with 10 points, eight rebounds and two assists.