THE Sydney Flames continued their surge towards a top four finish ahead of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) playoffs, defeating the Southside Flyers by 14 points at the Quaycentre on Thursday.

Sydney was looking to continue its winning form on the back of two victories, against the Adelaide Lightning on Wednesday and UC Capitals last Friday in Round 12. On the other hand the Flyers looked to also continue their winning ways, following their two triumphs in Round 12, against the Bendigo Spirit and Melbourne Boomers.

Interestingly, the season series between the Flames and Flyers was tied at one game apiece, but it was the Flames that took the chocolates here.

Sydney Flames (102) def. Southside Flyers (81)

For majority of the first quarter, both teams traded scoring surges, with the Flames going on a 6-0 run halfway through the term. Each side had stages of brilliance on the defensive end, guarding the paint well and not allowing any easy access to the basket in transition.

Paige Bradley, Tess Madgen and Cayla George played a key role in extending the margin to double figures, whilst Shaneice Swain in her first game played a role in her first game of the season back from injury, helping the Flames going into the main break maintaining a 17-point lead.

Whilst the Flames won the second quarter 24-17, the Flyers had momentum in the third quarter as the likes of Rebecca Cole, Lauren Jackson, Mercedes Russell, Nyadiew Puoch and Jasmine Dickey played a role in reducing the margin. The Flames were still able to hit crucial threes, continuing to extend the margin and going into the final change up by 17 points.

The Flames won the final quarter, 27-23, finishing the match in style, which resulted in a 102-81 victory.

Multiple players had played a role in the Flames victory. George and Lauren Nicholson both top scored, finishing with 21 points each. Didi Richards produced with a double-double, 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Madgen had 13 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Bradley delivered 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block.

Swain also impressed off the bench in her return, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds and three steals.