Sydney Flames secure WNBL finals spot with vital victory over UC Capitals
The Sydney Flames have clinched a WNBL finals spot after defeating the UC Capitals 86-71, with Isabella Bracatisiano scoring 26 points in a crucial match. The Capitals are eliminated from finals contention.
The Sydney Flames have secured a WNBL finals spot after Isabella Bracatisiano led the team to a crucial 86-71 victory against the UC Capitals.
Bracatisiano stepped up significantly in the absence of Cayla George, who withdrew late due to injury. In this match, Bracatisiano scored a game-high 26 points, successfully making 8-of-12 three-point attempts along with seven rebounds and four steals.
This win guarantees Sydney a fourth position finish with a record of 8-11, while the Capitals, ending their season at 7-13, are out of finals contention with only one round remaining in the regular season.
Alongside Bracatisiano, Celeste Taylor also contributed significantly with 23 points and seven rebounds. Shaneice Swain added 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists but struggled with nine turnovers, which was a key concern for the Flames.
Bracatisiano’s defensive performance was noteworthy, limiting Capitals captain Jade Melbourne to just four points, while Nyadiew Puoch did manage to score 21 points for the home side.
This victory not only ended the Capitals’ finals hopes but also affected Adelaide Lightning's chances, who suffered an 84-78 loss to the last-placed Southside Flyers. Carley Ernst led the scoring for Southside with 16 points, while Dallas Loughridge contributed 15 points and three assists.
Brianna Turner stood out for Adelaide with 18 points, 19 rebounds, and three steals, but it was the Flyers who broke their eight-game losing streak.
Southside coach Kristi Harrower praised her team for their determination in overcoming adversity throughout the year, emphasising their commitment to playing hard despite numerous challenges.
In other WNBL matches, Adelaide faced another setback with a loss against Townsville as Alicia Froling and Lauren Cox led the scoring for Townsville, who currently occupy third place with a record of 14-5. Meanwhile, Perth Lynx reinforced their status as a strong contender, defeating Geelong United 95-77, with Miela Sowah and Stephanie Gorman being standout performers.
