IN an exciting, fast-paced and entertaining first round of WNBL in the books, the UC Capitals fought back strongly in the second half, defeating the Sydney Uni Flames by three points, 58-55.

For the Flames, who have recruited some exciting talent and a new coach at the helm, Shane Heal and looking to push the tempo up and down the court and quick on transition. The Flames have signed plenty of exciting talent throughout the off-season, with the likes of Shyla Heal – joining forces with her dad – as well as Stephanie Watts who was pick 10 in the WNBA draft, and Keely Froling who crossed from the Capitals, looking to surprise the competition and cause an upset.

For the Caps who have got plenty of experience, with the likes of veteran Kelly Wilson, Kelsey Griffin, and Alex Bunton making her return to the WNBL. The side that won two titles in the past three years was looking to make a push to the finals once again after a tough exit from the finals hub in 2020.

After a long time not playing basketball, and plenty of changes to both teams there was uncertainty in what to expect. One thing was sure – defence was a key to winning the match.

With the Flames firing out of the blocks in the first quarter, it was a slow start for the Caps. The visiting side rushed their shots offensively and shot under pressure due to the defensive intensity the Flames put on early.

Watts was the star of the show for the Flames, scoring 12 points of her own in the first quarter , showing fans why she will be a standout this season, having confidence to shoot the ball. For UC, Wilson showed why she is a huge presence in the team, showing her leadership on the court, teaming up well with Griffin and Bunton.

Tahlia Tupaea went down with a nasty looking shoulder injury, but was cleared of any serious injury and continued playing the match.

With the Caps looking to find some spark in the second quarter, the Flames continued to push the ball, with Watts providing the spark. The Caps struggled to get the ball through hands offensively. Lauren Mansfield hit a big three, extending the margin to eight.

New recruit Kalani Purcell coming off the bench had a great play in the quarter, finding Keely Froling, Rebecca Pizzey also showing some highlights with a block shot.

Going in the half-time break, the Flames had a nine-point lead, 30-21.

Watts had a blinder first half with 14 points and four rebounds. Keely Froling and Mansfield also provided a spark in the first half.

Wilson was a standout for the Caps, doing a great job running the floor offensively, setting up her team well, able to find the players.

The Flames lead the rebound count at half-time, 25-23. Both teams shot at a low field goal percentage (29 per cent – 10/35 for the Flames and 28 per cent or 9/32 for the Caps), while the Caps would be looking to address their turnovers and look after the ball, leading the turnover count 10-6.

The Caps were desperate to improve in the second half, with Wilson and Griffin coming out firing a proving a spark with a high pick and roll, and Griffin finishing it off with a three-point play. The star Caps playmaker created the spark, scoring the first seven points of the quarter and looked unstoppable.

With the Caps looking better offensively in the third quarter, sharing and moving the ball around cohesively and got stops defensively, with their energy up and about, the Flames continued to show fight and stay in the contest. After a strong third quarter, leading the quarter, 20-13 by the Caps, the Flames went into the three quarter time break trailing by two points, 43-41.

The Caps continued the fourth like the third quarter, bringing the energy and the ball movement looking better. With foul problems coming into effect, with Watts on four fouls, the Flames continued to fight throughout the fourth.

Jade Melbourne hit a critical shot, giving the Caps their first lead of the match. Others such as Wilson gave a highlight, bounce passing to Brittney Sykes, forcing the Flames to call a time out, with the momentum shifting to the Caps.

With both teams up and down the court, looking to settle after a back and forth few minutes, both teams wouldn’t give up without a fight, with the Flames looking tired and the Caps continuing to push the tempo of the game.

With Griffin going down with a nasty facial injury, the Caps looked for others to step up and provide the spark. When the match mattered and was on the line, Mikaela Ruef stayed composed hitting two critical free throws and denying a Heal shot to go into overtime.

After a tight match that had plenty of positives for both team, it was the UC Capitals taking the win, 58-55. Both teams will have a week’s break before meeting in Round 3 next Sunday in Canberra.