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There is good reason why you shouldn’t play with Lightning and in their third and final encounter this season MAC Adelaide Lightning proved too strong for Sydney Uni Flames winning 94-67 at Brydens Stadium.

It was a comprehensive victory in a fast, physical game with Adelaide American import, #20 Kayla Standish, really on song with her shooting in both field goals, 11 from 14 and 2-pointers, 10 from 13. The Flames had no answer to her dominance until later in the game but by then Lightning and Australian guard #5 Leilani Mitchell found another gear to top the overall scoring with 30 points, with 26 from Standish.

“I’m really pleased with our defence. I didn’t expect that result but we’ve been on the verge for a couple of weeks now and this time the whole team got there,” said Lightning Coach Tracy York.

The Flames were hoping to bounce back into the winners circle from their tough loss on the road to Dandenong last week but despite having their nose in front, 21-20 at the first quarter mark, those plans were quashed as the Adelaide defence smothered any hint of attack.

“There was a lot of disappointment tonight. Hats off to Adelaide for outplaying us in every area tonight,” said Flames Coach Shannon Seebohm.

Usually dependable #30 Carolyn Swords for the Flames was heavily targeted in defence and unable to find her rhythm or range in shooting. Even Captain #10 Katie Ebzery struggled to make headway until late, top scoring for the Flames with 21 points. #31 Joslyn Tinkle made some early inroads while #7 Alex Wilson provided much needed zip off the bench but overall Adelaide shut down the Flames passing options.

Standish, who played her first game for Adelaide in the close loss to the Flames in Round 6 just three weeks ago, showed her true scoring power tonight in setting up the win.  It must be a concern for the Flames that despite an impressive start to the year with some memorable wins they continue to concede too many points inside- the- paint with Adelaide winning that count 48-30.

Despite the Flames being 3rd on the ladder to Adelaide’s 8th before this game, it is no indication as to what may unfold as Adelaide almost view the journey to Brydens Stadium as a second home given their star players #5 Leilani Mitchell and #3 Mikaela Ruef played with the Flames last year.

The Flames need to dust themselves off and regroup quickly as they travel to Canberra to tackle UC Capitals at Tuggeranong Southern Cross Stadium tomorrow night. A buoyed Adelaide head home to host the Dandenong Rangers this Sunday.  

“We take each game as it comes. Canberra are eager for a win. We’ll regroup and prepare as much as we can in the next 24 hours,” said Flames #3 Hayley Moffatt.

 

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