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Shaneice Swain clinic leads Flames to key road win
Shaneice Swain of the Flames drives to the bucket during the round 14 WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Sydney Flames at AIS Arena on January 30, 2025, in Canberra. Photo: by Mark Nolan/Getty Images
Sydney Flames claim crucial road win in pursuit of WNBL25 playoffs
- Shaneice Swain knocks down five threes in game-high 36 point performance
- Cayla George has big-time 14-point, 17-rebound double double
- Sydney Flames tighten grip on fourth place
Shaneice Swain put on a masterclass, pouring in a game-high 36 points as Sydney Flames edged out the UC Capitals 92-88 in a nail-biting contest (Game Centre) that went down to the wire at National Convention Centre in round 14 of WNBL25.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead.
The Capitals, playing on their home court, came out strong behind the hot shooting of WNBA and Opals guard Jade Melbourne, who finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Flames' balanced attack and clutch shooting in the fourth quarter ultimately proved too much for the home side to overcome.
Sydney's victory was powered by an impressive team effort, with four players scoring in double figures. Alongside Swain's stellar performance, Celeste Taylor contributed 22 points, while Cayla George notched a double-double with 14 points and a massive 17 rebounds. The Flames' ability to share the ball was evident, as they dished out 18 assists compared to the Capitals' 14.
For the Capitals, it was a case of what might have been. Despite a valiant effort from Melbourne and strong contributions from WNBA draftee Nyadiew Puoch (19 points, 11 rebounds) and Charli Collier (15 points, seven rebounds), they fell just short in the closing minutes.
The statistics tell the tale of a closely fought contest. The Flames shot a slightly better 43.2% from the field compared to the Capitals' 40.5%, but the real difference came from beyond the arc. Sydney knocked down 13 three-pointers to Canberra's 8, with Swain accounting for five of those on her own. The Flames also held a slight edge on the glass, out-rebounding the Capitals 49-43.
Swain's performance was nothing short of spectacular. The guard was efficient from all areas of the court, shooting 14-from-24 from the field, including 5-from-12 from three-point range. Her 36 points were complemented by six assists and two steals, showcasing her all-around game.
The victory moves the Sydney Flames into a stronger position in the playoff race, while the Capitals will need to regroup quickly. Both teams have little time to dwell on this result, with crucial games coming up in the next week that could shape their postseason fates.
