DESPITE a few COVID-related changes, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) action continued over the weekend, as the competition enjoys its 11th round of action. The schedule continued into Saturday night, with the Southside Flyers playing host to the Adelaide Lightning at Dandenong Stadium. The Lightning came into the match as favourites, as they have enjoyed a strong season, while the Flyers have struggled after a championship-winning season last year. In surpising fashion, the Flyers came out and made it a cracking contest, delivering an extremely competitive performance as they pushed one of the championship hopefuls to the limit. However, Adelaide was simply too good, held off its opponent to claim a 13-point triumph, a lead that was steadily built throughout the match.

FIRST QUARTER

The Flyers tipped off their game in style, sinking their first shot with Maddison Rocci‘s long-range shot finding the bottom of the net. This marked the beginning of a strong start for the reigning champs, who jumped out to an early five-point lead. However, the class of the Fire came through in the minutes that followed, quickly taking the lead and stealing control of the contest, but it was not a blowout, with the Flyers keeping themselves within arms’ reach. When the first buzzer sounded, proceedings were tied up in what was an entertaining start.

SECOND QUARTER

The second term saw the same tense action from the opening 10 minutes, with neither side able to break away early in the period. The two teams traded baskets, and in the first four minutes of the term, they could not be separated on the scoreboard. The second half of the quarter belonged to the Lightning, who really got their offence rolling and jumped out to a seven-point lead in no time. The depth of their team was truly on disaply, with plenty of contributors on their roster. They took a five-point lead into half time after a strong conclusion to the first half of play.

THIRD QUARTER

The Flyers opened the second half in style, bringing the margin back to just two points in the first minute of the third quarter. However, once again it was the Lightning who grabbed back the lead, with a couple of quick buckets seeing their lead stretch back out to eight as they held onto some breathing room. It then ballooned out to 14 points a few minutes later as things began to get out of hand for the Flyers. However, they were able to bring it back to six points at the conclusion of the term, giving themselves a chance in the final term.

FOURTH QUARTER

The final term started with the Flyers bringing themselves back to within four points in the first couple of minutes, but failing to capitalise any further. The Lightning were able to regain control of the match thanks to some handy work beyond the arc. Rocci made things interesting when her free throw brought the margin down to four once again, but Adelaide was able to hold on in the final minutes of the match to claim their eighth win of the season.

CLOSING THOUGHTS …

One of the big positives for the victors was their balanced scoring, with all five of their starters registering double-digits in the points column. There were none more impressive than Alanna Smith, who racked up a massive double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds as she proved dominant from all over the court. Kiana Williams was also impressive with ball in hand, pouring in 16 points in her side’s triumph, and drained four shots from behind the arc. Rebecca Cole led the way for the Flyers with 17 points, while Rocci also chimed in with some big buckets.