Brydens Sydney Uni Flames have secured two victories over the weekend moving them into first place on the ladder ahead of reigning premiers Bendigo and Townsville.
The Flames played on Friday night against the Melbourne Boomers and won by a margin of 12 points, 90 – 78 at Brydens Stadium. It was a dominant display by the home side who controlled the pace of match, leading the entire game and breaking away in the last quarter.
A three point shot by Leilani Mitchell established the lead for the Flames in the first quarter. She was instrumental for the rest of the game, finishing with 24 points, shooting at 9 – 12 from the field and also contributing 4 assists. These statistics resulted in her being named WNBL Player of the week.
Five players reached double figures, again demonstrating a great team effort. Mikaela Ruef was a stand out in her all round game collecting 10 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds in 26 minutes of play.
The Flames have been consistent this season in shooting the ball at a better clip, outrebounding and not committing as many turnovers as their opposition. With statistics like that, it is hard to lose games.
After their Friday night match, the team travelled to South Australia to face Adelaide on the road. When these teams met previously, the Flames suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss.
In their previous meeting the Flames led by as many as six points with one minute to go in regular time; however some clutch plays by veteran Jessica Foley kept Adelaide in the match and allowed the side to claw their way back. The final result saw Sydney Uni fall 91 – 94.
Given this outcome, the team were eager for redemption, and they managed to deliver impressively. On their Saturday evening meeting at Adelaide Arena, Sydney Uni started the match fiercely rounding out the first quarter with a 14 point lead.
Although the first five minutes of play were hard fought with neither team converting easily, the Flames broke away with a string of players contributing on the offensive end, ending the period 21 -7.
The second term saw Adelaide attempt a comeback and although they scored 28 points in the quarter, they were not able to contain the Flames and lock down in defence, with Sydney Uni collecting 20 points.
After half time the Flames regained control of the match with Rohanee Cox opening the scoring with a three point jump shot. A double figure lead was established and could not be shaken late in the third quarter. This was maintained and saw the Flames close out the game 78 – 59.
Katie Ebzery was the top scorer for the Flames, collecting 16 points, shooting 50 per cent from the field and collecting 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Rohanee Cox and Tahlia Tupaea also had solid performances collecting 13 points and 14 points respectively and in limited minutes.
The Flames are building momentum having won three games in a row, they head to Alice Springs this weekend to play the West Coast Waves who are currently placed fourth on the ladder with a 3 -3 win/loss record. They will be looking to build upon this good form as they have a couple of challenging rounds in the lead up to Christmas facing Dandenong and Bendigo before the holiday break.
