SOUTHSIDE Melbourne Flyers are officially heading to the post-season after knocking off fifth-placed UC Capitals by seven points at AIS Arena last night. Though the home side was up and about early to lead by six points at the first change, Southside flew home to win the remaining three quarters and get up, 82-75 in front of more than 3000 onlookers.

UC Capitals (75) def. by Southside Melbourne Flyers (82)

Heading into the match, just one win separated the fourth-placed Flyers from the fifth-placed Capitals, and had UC got the chocolates, it would have set up an intriguing final stanza on the weekend. It certainly looked to be going in the home side’s favour when they raced out of the blocks to lead 26-20 after one frame.

From the opening tip-off it was Nicole Munger who was on fire for the Capitals, piling on 11 points -including three triples – while Isabella Brancatisano was an early influence, adding eight first quarter points of her own. When young gun Jade Melbourne stretched the lead out to nine points in the opening minute of hte second term, the fans dared to dream.

Despite still holding that margin with six and a half minutes in the first half, the Flyers went on an 11-2 run to tie the scores. By the main break, the teams were level on 44 points apiece with the experienced Opals such as Cayla George and Maddison Rocci getting going, but in ultimately a well-spread team scoring performance.

The Flyers went on with it after that, scoring 20-16 in the third term and opening up a four-point lead. UC clawed back with the first five points of the last term, but eight quick points to Isabelle Bourne and a triple to Rocci ensured the Flyers remained on top. A strong defensive final term resulted in the Flyers taking the term out as well, 18-15, and securing fourth spot on the WNBL ladder.

Southside shot at a far higher clip of 54.6 from inside the arc compared to UC’s 34.2, while also making the most of less chances from long-range. A 24-17 assist differential told a tale of how the Flyers controlled their offence, while also having four more rebounds (40-36).

Bourne would finish with 22 points – nine of 10 from the field – four assists and three rebounds, while Rocci (17 points, 10 assists) and George (10 points, 15 rebounds) were their typical selves with double-doubles. The latter also knocked back four shots with timely blocks, and had four assists and two steals for her troubles, while Rocci hit three triples and recorded four steals. Akiene-Tera Reed (12 points, six rebounds) was handy off the bench.

Melbourne was huge for the Capitals, amassing 23 points and putting on a show from long-range with five of eight from beyond the arc. She and Munger (17 points, five of nine. from three-point range) kept their side in it, while also combining for 10 rebounds and five assists. Nyadiew Puoch (10 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks) did it all, while Zitina Aokuso had an inaccurate night – only two of 13 from the field – but recorded eight points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.

Southside Melbourne Flyers finish off the regular season with a trip to Adelaide to tackle the Lightning on Sunday, while the Capitals finish up their year with a home match against Geelong Venom on Saturday afternoon.