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Jan
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String music: Cox's 12-from-14 sets Fire to Geelong
Lauren Cox of the Fire warms up before the start of the round 13 WNBL match between Townsville Fire and Geelong United at Townsville Entertainment Centre on January 25, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Nia Coffey and Alicia Froling both had a solid double-doubles
- Townsville locks in third place on WNBL25 Ladder
- Lauren Cox was on fire — scores 26 points on 85% from field
- Geelong locked in a battle for fourth place
In a dominant display of offensive firepower, the Townsville Fire scorched the Geelong United 89-70 (Game Centre) at home on Saturday January 25, 2025 in round 13 of the WNBL.
The Fire's relentless attack, led by Lauren Cox's game-high 26 points, proved too hot for the visiting United to handle, as Townsville strengthened their grip on third in the WNBL standings. The Fire is 12-5, six games ahead of equal fourth-placed Sydney Flames, UC Capitals, and Geelong United.
From the opening tip, the Fire set the court ablaze, quickly establishing a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish.
Cox was unstoppable in the paint, shooting an impressive 85.7% from the field and anchoring Townsville's interior defence with four blocks. The home side's control of the glass was evident, out-rebounding Geelong 50-38, with Alicia Froling pulling down a game-high 11 boards. Nia Coffey had 10.
As the United struggled to find their rhythm, the Fire's balanced attack kept them at bay. Courtney Woods orchestrated the offense, dishing out 12 assists to go along with her 14 points. Coffey contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards, while Alicia Froling matched Coffey's 12 points and added two blocks to her rebounding tally.
The statistics tell the tale of Townsville's dominance. The Fire shot a blistering 45.3% from the field compared to Geelong's 38.9%, and their superiority at the free-throw line was stark, converting 27 of 34 attempts (79.4%) to United's 7 of 13 (53.8%). This disparity in free throws highlighted the Fire's aggressive approach, constantly putting pressure on Geelong's defence.
Cox's was near perfect from the field, missing only two of her 14 attempts. Her efficiency inside the arc was complemented by her defensive presence, altering shots and deterring United's drives to the basket.
For Geelong, Jaz Shelley's 19 points, including three triples, provided a glimmer of hope, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Fire's onslaught. Alex Sharp's double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds was a bright spot for the visitors, who will look to regroup after this tough loss.
