THE second round of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) kicked off on Wednesday night, with Maddison Rocci leading her Southside Flyers to a massive win over the UC Capitals.

Heading into the game at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, both sides had sustained heartbreaking losses to start the season. The Flyers fell to the Boomers by seven points in Round 1, while the Capitals were defeated by the Lightning to the tune of just three points. This loomed as a critical matchup for both sides, with the prospect of going 0-2 making the stakes quite high. Whichever team sustained this record with a loss on Wednesday would be playing catch up in an extremely even competition.

The Flyers looked a class above from the opening tip, jumping out to an early lead with a seemingly effortless performance on the offensive end. It appeared as if Southside could do as it pleased with ball in hand, getting some great looks in the process. Although the Capitals had some strong scoring plays of their own, they still trailed by seven points at the first break. The pattern continued for the remainder of the game, with the Flyers continuing to stretch their lead, which was unassailable by the final change. Southside ended up claiming a 25-point win to get on the board for season 2023/24.

Rocci delivered an absolutely terrific performance in Southside’s big win, orchestrating the offence in a masterful way.

UC Capitals (79) def. by Southside Flyers (104)

Maddi Rocci – 28 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals

Rocci delivered an excellent performance in her role as a floor general, proving a consistent source of scoring for the Flyers on a massive night for the team.

No one could match Rocci’s impact on the floor, and that was evident from the first quarter, where it seemed she was either scoring or assisting on every play. Her court IQ was a match-breaking weapon, constantly making the right play and getting her side to triple figures, which is usually a match-winning feat.

Rocci shot an impressive 9/14 from the field, including 4/6 from behind the arc. It was a clinical scoring performance from one of the league’s most talented guards. She was scoring from just about anywhere and despite the opposition trying to keep the ball out of her hands, had a night out.

Rocci’s playmaking was also a terrific weapon for Southside, with Mercedes Russell benefiting in particular on her way to 20 points for the match.

It was a magnificent performance from Rocci, who took control of the team’s offence and executed this role to perfection.