CONTINUING to secure wins in their maiden Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season, Geelong United overcame a massive Cayla George showing to defeat the Sydney Flames by 20 points on Friday night.

Coming into the clash at Geelong Arena, United were looking to stay in the hunt for a maiden finals berth with the race for a top-four spot as close as ever. With seven teams looking to fit into four spots, the battle to keep the championship hunt alive is set to go down to the wire.

The Flames are right in that tussle as well, occupying a top-four spot as it stands, and with six wins to their name, are as good a chance as any side to book a finals spot. However, Friday’s clash would prove a vital encounter against a fellow contender.

Geelong was simply too good early in the piece for the Flames, making life difficult for the visitors and getting the most out of its home court advantage. Although Sydney tried valiantly to fight back, it was not enough as United claimed a win that helped them stay in the hunt for a finals spot.

One of the big differences in the match was the disparity in effectiveness at the charity stripe. United nailed 91 per cent of their bonus points, while the Flames shot just 64 per cent from the free throw line, wasting extra scoring chances.

Geelong was simply allowed to get out in transition far too easily, pouring in 34 fast break points to Sydney’s seven. Consistently outnumbered when defending, the Flames allowed the opposition to get out the back too often, and it was reflective of the final score.

The performance of George was one shining light for the Flames, with the Opal showing why she is still considered one of the best players in the country. Despite her team being outperformed overall, George fought bravely to try and keep the visitors in the match, and can hold her head high despite the final result.

She poured in a huge double-double of 27 points and 17 rebounds and was the top individual performer of the match, a remarkable feat considering the final score.

For the victors, Haley Jones posted a double-double of her own of 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in a stat-stuffing performance, while Jazmin Shelley was her usual impactful self with 24 points, three rebounds and six assists.