BOTH teams desperate for a win sitting in the bottom four, it was the Sydney Flames who got the job done against Southside Flyers thanks to a strong second term that proved the difference in the 99-91 result at Qudos Bank Arena.

Lead by Opals star Cayla George who became the first ever player to secure 3500 career rebounds in the WNBL, the Flames stepped up with the game in the balance early then fended off a determined Flyers outfit to take the points. They shot at a higher field goal percentage (53 to 47) and nailed 12 of 32 from beyond the arc compared to the Flyers’ six of 23 from the same range in the eight point victory.

Fans were treated to a high-scoring opening term in Sydney to start the match between two sides who have struggled this season. The Flyers went ahead marginally 31-29, but that soon turned around in the second quarter with a 24-15 advantage in favour of the home side.

That term proved to be the difference for Sydney as it went ahead by seven, and held that advantage throughout the second half for the eventual eight-point victory, 99-91, and they were to leapfrog Adelaide Lightning into the top four.

George lead a barrage of long-range bombs, dropping a ridiculous seven of nine from beyond the arc en route to 33 points in a full 40-minute performance. The Opal also collected nine rebounds and dished off four assists in a really complete performance.

She was well supported by Shaneice Swain, whose match-high 11 assists set up the offence for the Flames. Swain also nailed 19 points herself, though was more inaccurate from three-point range shooting just two of 10. Still, she had six rebounds to-boot.

Alongside that pair, Yemiyah Morris had 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists from the five position, while Emma Clarke (10 points, seven rebounds) influenced off the boards. Bonnie Deas came off the bench for eight points and four rebounds in 19 minutes for the Flames in the win.

For the Flyers, skipper Rebecca Cole managed a team-hight 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals to really do it all for her team. Shooting at a 69 per cent accuracy from the field, Naz Hillmon finished with 22 points and five rebounds, while Maddison Rocci chipped in with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists, draining two of five from long-range as well.

The contest marks the last of the year for both sides, with Sydney Flames set to return to Qudos Bank Arena on January 2 to host Bendigo Spirit, while Southside Flyers also return home for a big match against Townsville Fire at the State Basketball Centre on January 4.