17
Jan
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Jaz dominates shell-shocked Flames with 24
Jaz Shelley of Geelong United dribbles the ball during the round 12 WNBL match between Geelong United and Sydney Flames at The Geelong Arena on January 17, 2025, in Geelong. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Geelong leaps above Sydney on the WNBL25 ladder
- Geelong roll over the top of Sydney by 20
- Jaz Shelley lit up the Flames for 24
- Cayla George had 27-17 but it wasn't enough
Geelong United overcame an early deficit to secure a decisive 90-70 (Game Centre) victory against the Sydney Flames at Geelong Arena on Friday, January 17, 2025 in Geelong.
The home side, spearheaded by captain Jaz Shelley's 24-point performance, turned a five-point first-quarter deficit into a commanding 20-point win, showcasing their growing WNBL credentials in front of a fervent crowd of 1,011.
The match began with Sydney asserting their dominance, as Cayla George's impressive inside-out game helped the Flames build an early lead.
However, Geelong's defensive adjustments and explosive offensive bursts in the second and third quarters dramatically shifted the momentum.
Geelong's second-half surge was unstoppable. Outscoring Sydney 44-24 in the final two quarters, the United's combination of stifling defence and efficient offense proved too much for the Flames to handle. The home team's ability to capitalise on turnovers, with 27 points coming directly from Sydney's mistakes.
Statistically, the game was a tale of contrasts. While both teams had similar field goal percentages (Geelong 43%, Sydney 39%), the United's superior ball security was evident in the turnover battle, with Geelong committing just 10 turnovers to Sydney's 21. This disparity led to a significant advantage in fast-break points, with Geelong outpacing Sydney 34-7 in this crucial category.
The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Geelong's captain, Jaz Shelley. Her 24 points, including a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, were complemented by six assists and four steals. Shelley's leadership on both ends of the floor was instrumental in orchestrating Geelong's comeback and subsequent dominance.
Equally impressive was the double-double performance of Geelong's Hanna Jones, who recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds. Her efficiency from the field (9-from-17 FG) and presence in the paint were crucial in establishing Geelong's interior dominance.
For Sydney, despite the loss, Cayla George put forth a valiant effort with a game-high 27 points and 17 rebounds. However, her individual brilliance was not enough to overcome Geelong's collective effort and the Flames' turnover woes.
