Brydens Sydney Uni Flames 62 def. by Perth Lynx 78

Despite leading for a majority of the first half, Perth found themselves trailing Sydney Uni by seven midway through the third quarter. From that point on they suffocated the Flames though, out-scoring them 36-13 to finish the game while also holding them scoreless in the last five minutes.

Against their old side, Katie Ebzery top-scored with 22 points while Asia Taylor had all 13 of her points in the fourth quarter to finish with a double-double. Alex Wilson paced the home side with 16 points as four starters scored in double-figures.

BOX SCORE
REPORT

Jayco Rangers 75 def. by Deakin Melbourne Boomers 101

Tallying a season high for the league and becoming the first team to hit the century mark, Melbourne dominated in the opening clash of the 2018/19 Michele Timms Cup.

Steph Talbot (27 points, five assists, two steals, two blocks) and Jenna O’Hea (15 points, three steals) set the tone with a three-point barrage before Lindsay Allen (18 points, five assists) and Maddie Garrick (18 points, three steals) finished the Rangers off.

Dandenong were paced by 37 combined points from Rachel Jarry and Bec Cole in their third straight loss.

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REPORT

Bendigo Bank Spirit 70 def. Adelaide Lightning 52

An inspired Nat Hurst led the Spirit to snap a two-game losing streak as Bendigo celebrated her 250th game while spoiling the night for Adelaide coach Chris Lucas who was commemorating his 250th game on the sidelines.

The Spirit captain finished with 14 points and ten rebounds while Becca Tobin was also outstanding with 13 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks as the home side held the Lightning to 31% shooting overall. Hurst also out-scored Adelaide by herself from beyond the arc with four three-pointers as only Nia Coffey (13 points) reached double-digits for the visitors.

BOX SCORE

JCU Townsville Fire 71 def. by Perth Lynx 79

Despite playing their fourth game in nine days, Perth claimed a fifth-straight victory and their second over Townsville this season with an overtime thriller.

Leading by as much as 21 points in the first half after a 9-0 start, the Lynx had to do it the tough way as Townsville forced overtime with a 16-6 final quarter, capped by three free-throws from Micaela Cocks on the buzzer.

The Lynx were too good in the extra period though, succeeding with a 13-5 run in the last five minutes. Brittany McPhee had a double-double of 20 points and ten rebounds while Asia Taylor (18 points, seven rebounds, three assist, two steals, two blocks) did a bit of everything to answer Suzy Batkovic’s 23 points and 12 boards.

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REPORT

University of Canberra Capitals 84 def. Brydens Sydney Uni Flames 79

A 10-23 second term ultimately doomed the Flames as they stayed winless on the season with their third loss of five points or less.

They did make things interesting late with four quick points from Alex Bunton (13 points, 11 rebounds) and a Sarah Graham three-pointer making it a three-point game with 24 seconds to go.

Kia Nurse (16 points) sealed the victory from the free-throw line though, backed up by Kelly Wilson’s 17 points and Kelsey Griffin (15 points, 13 rebounds) as the UC Caps remained in second spot on the ladder. Belinda Snell did all she could with 16 points and ten assists.

BOX SCORE

Deakin Melbourne Boomers 58 def. by Bendigo Bank Spirit 60

Bendigo claimed a sweep of Round 4 with their second victory Melbourne for the season, leap-frogging them into third place on the ladder in the process.

Nat Hurst (25 points, two steals) was sensational, scoring eight points in the final term while Nadeen Payne added 12 points, nine rebounds. For the Boomers, Steph Talbot capped a strong weekend with 21 points to pace the home side.

BOX SCORE

COMING UP: ROUND 5

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have a quick turnaround as they are back at home to host the Brydens Sydney Uni Flames on Thursday night to begin Round 5.

The Boomers then head north on Sunday to take on the JCU Townsville Fire in the first Grand Final re-match of 2018/19 while FOX Sports Australia 506 and SBS Viceland will broadcast a top of the table clash between the Perth Lynx and University of Canberra Capitals on Saturday at 12pm AWST (3pm AEDT).

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