31
Jan
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Fire big Lauren Cox stuffs the stat sheet in road win
Lauren Cox of the Townsville Fire drives to the basket during the round 14 WNBL match between Southside Flyers and Townsville Fire at State Basketball Centre on January 31, 2025, in Melbourne. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Townsville Fire cement third on WNBL25 ladder with big road win
- Lauren Cox dominated with 11 points, eight boards, six assists and five blocks
- Alicia Froling dropped 18 points on 7-from-8 from the field
- Naz Hillmon and Alice Kunek had 21 points and 17 points for the Flyers
Townsville Fire big Lauren Cox stuffed the stat sheet in the WNBL road team's nail-biting 90-85 win against the Southside Flyers at the State Basketball Centre in Victoria on Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Fire's sharpshooting from beyond the arc proved to be the difference, as they connected on 11 three-pointers to the Flyers' nine in a game that showcased the league's offensive firepower.
The contest was a see-saw battle throughout, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. Townsville's balanced attack kept them in control for much of the game, but Southside refused to go away quietly.
The Flyers, led by the dynamic duo of Naz Hillmon and Alice Kunek, mounted several comeback attempts that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
As the fourth quarter wound down, it was the Fire's veteran leadership and clutch shooting that sealed the deal.
The win solidifies Townsville's position near the top of the WNBL ladder, while Southside will be left to rue their missed opportunities to secure their fifth win in what has been a disappointing season.
The statistics tell the tale of a closely contested match. Townsville's superior shooting efficiency was evident in their 51.6% field goal percentage compared to Southside's 43.1%. The Fire also held a slight edge from three-point range, shooting 47.8% to the Flyers' 37.5%.
These marginal differences in shooting proved to be the deciding factor in a game where both teams were evenly matched in most other areas.
Alicia Froling was the standout performer for Townsville, showcasing remarkable efficiency with 18 points on 7-from-8 shooting from the field. Her dominant inside presence was complemented by Lauren Cox's all-around game, as Cox filled the stat sheet with 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and an impressive five blocks.
For the Flyers, Naz Hillmon put forth a valiant effort with a game-high 21 points and seven rebounds. Alice Kunek provided strong support with 17 points, including a pair of three-pointers that kept Southside within striking distance.
