Graham Croker
The Southern Design Sydney University Flames put their season back on track with a nail-biting 59-57 win over Townsville Fire at the Sydney University Sports and Fitness Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The win lifted the Flames to sixth on the competition ladder with a 5-7 record after 12 games. They could improve that in the run-in to Christmas with home games against last-placed AIS next Saturday and third-placed Dandenong on Saturday, December 18.
And with a series of home games when the competition resumes in 2011, the Flames believe they can still give the competition an almighty shake. They are home to Bendigo (Friday, January 7), Adelaide (Friday, January 14), Logan (Sunday, January 23), Townsville (Friday, February 4) and Canberra (Saturday, February 14), with just two away games, against Adelaide (Sunday, January 29) and Bendigo (Saturday, February 12).
In a very tight encounter on Sunday, the visitors led the Flames 17-15 at the first change before the hosts levelled proceedings at 31 apiece at the main break. The Flames edged ahead 49-47 in the third term and held on to win by a goal in a tense final term.
Katie-Rae Ebzery led the scoring for the hosts with 19 points, while Amy Denson (12) and Natalie Stafford (8) were also solid contributors. Rachael Flanagan (19) headed the scoring for the Fire.
Tip-off for Saturday’s clash against the AIS at SUSF will be 7pm.
Scoreboard
Women’s National Basketball League – Round 9
Sydney University Flames 59 (Katie-Rae Ebzery 19, Amy Denson 12, Natalie Stafford 8) d Townsville Fire 57 (Rachael Flanagan 19, Rachel Allison 13, Nardeen Payne 10) at Sydney University Sports and Fitness Centre.
