LOOKING to keep their season alive, the UC Capitals recorded a vital win over the Adelaide Lightning in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) action over the weekend.

With the race for fourth spot come season’s end set to go down to the wire, each match carries heavy significance for every side outside of the top four, as all are a mathematical possibility. The Capitals came into the match having strung together a pair of wins for the first time this year, while the Lightning had lost three on the trot and were looking to bounce back.

The match took place at the National Convention Centre Canberra as the Capitals played host in a crucial match for both sides. Although the Lightning had some moments of excitement, Canberra’s current form was simply too good, as the Capitals cruised home to a 15-point triumph to pass Adelaide in the standings and edge closer to a top-four berth.

The Capitals would not have been in a winning position without the efforts of Nyadiew Puoch, who was a star on the offensive end and played a leading role for the victors.

UC Capitals (91) def. Adelaide Lightning (76)

Nyadiew Puoch – 27 points, five rebounds

Puoch was the star of the show for the Capitals, having played a key role in their mid-season resurgence and continuing that trend in the win over the Lightning.

Her 27 points were the most of any player in the match, which is an incredible feat given she shared the court with the likes of Jade Melbourne and Isobel Borlase. However, Puoch has emerged as a young star in her own right, having been selected to the WNBA and cementing herself as one of Australia’s brightest basketball talents.

Her scoring was sound fundamentally, always looking to take the right shot and avoiding forcing well-defended field goal attempts. The Capitals were playing with plenty of pace and Puoch was able to finish in transition.

Melbourne often draws in plenty of defensive attention given her role as orchestrator of the Capitals’ offence, and when the defence overcommits to getting the ball out of her hands, Puoch gets to the right spot for a neat dish-out pass and has no troubles finding the bottom of the net.

The Capitals are making a genuine run at a spot in the finals in the coming weeks, and Puoch will undoubtedly be among the action with her ability to take over a match on the scoring front.