20
Dec
4 min read
Steph Talbot monsters Flyers in Ninnis' first win
Steph Talbot of the Lightning had herself a ball game in the Round 8 WNBL clash between Adelaide Lightning and Southside Flyers at Adelaide 36ers Arena, on December 20, 2024, in Adelaide. Photo: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images
Adelaide Lightning edge Southside Flyers 82-72 in WNBL clash
- Steph Talbot records impressive triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists
- Adelaide's balanced attack overcomes Alice Kunek's game-high 27 points for Southside
- Lightning improve to 4-6 record, while Flyers drop to 3-7
WNBA and Australian Opals star Steph Talbot was just three assists shy of a triple double to lead Adelaide Lightning to a 82-72 (Game Centre) home win against Southside Flyers in Round 8 of the WNBL 2024-25 season on Friday, December 21, 2024.
It was head coach Scott Ninnis first game in charge after the Lightning "mutually" parted ways with former head coach Nat Hurst earlier this month.
Ninnis was appointed on December 18, 2024.
Ninnis, an Adelaide basketball legend, said of his appointment: "Basketball has always been a central part of my life, and I’m honoured to join the Lightning. This is a proud club with a rich legacy, and I’m excited to guide the team as we strive for success together. It’s a fresh start and an opportunity to achieve something truly special. I’m eager to collaborate with this exceptional group of athletes and coaching staff."
He's now 1-0.
Talbot's exceptional play was the driving force behind Adelaide's win, as she stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Her versatility and leadership on both ends of the court proved instrumental in the Lightning's success.
The Lightning's balanced attack had four players score in double figures, with Brianna Turner and Isabelle Bourne each contributing 18 points. Turner also dominated the glass with 12 rebounds and five blocks, while Bourne knocked down a couple of big threes.
Flyers falter despite Kunek's heroics
Despite the loss, Southside's Alice Kunek put on a shooting clinic, leading all scorers with 27 points on an efficient 9-from-16 shooting, including 5-from-8 from beyond the arc. But the Flyers struggled to find consistent offensive production beyond Kunek and second-year import Naz Hillmon, who recorded a monster double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
The victory improves Adelaide's record to 4-6 while Southside's struggles compounded. The Flyers are 3-7.
What's Next
Adelaide goes on the road to face the 4-5 Sydney Flames (Game Centre) on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in a continuation of Round 8 while Southside host the 9-1 Bendigo Spirit, stung by their first loss of the season, later on Sunday (Game Centre).
