Fire's Froling, Wood lead Capitals demolition

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basketball.com.au

Fire's Froling, Wood lead Capitals demolition

Lauren Mansfield of the Fire drives to the basket during the round eight WNBL match between Townsville Fire and Canberra Capitals at Townsville Entertainment Centre, on December 21, 2024, in Townsville. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Townsville Fire dominates UC Capitals 81-48 in WNBL demolition

Townsville Fire secures convincing 33-point victory against UC Capitals
Alicia Froling and Courtney Woods lead Fire with 17 points each
UC Capitals struggle offensively, shooting just 26.5% from the field

The Townsville Fire cruised to a dominant 81-48 against the UC Capitals (Game Centre) in Round 8 of the WNBL on December 21, 2024, at Townsville Entertainment Centre.

The home team's strong performance was led by Alicia Froling and Courtney Woods.

Townsville is now 6-4 and in third while the Capitals slipped to 2-9 and stayed on the bottom of the ladder.

Fire's offense ignites early

The Townsville Fire came out blazing, establishing their dominance from the opening tip. Alicia Froling and Courtney Woods spearheaded the offensive onslaught, each contributing 17 points. Froling's efficiency was decisive, as she shot 54.5% from the field and grabbed seven rebounds. Woods complemented her scoring with a well-rounded performance, adding nine rebounds and four assists.

Saffron Shiels played a crucial role in facilitating the Fire's offense, dishing out a game-high seven assists while also contributing 10 points and eight rebounds. The team's balanced attack and superior shooting efficiency, with a 41.5% field goal percentage compared to the Capitals' 26.5%, were key factors in their dominant victory.

Jade Melbourne of the Capitals tries to split the defense during the round eight WNBL match between Townsville Fire and Canberra Capitals at Townsville Entertainment Centre, on December 21, 2024, in Townsville. Photo: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Capitals struggle to find rhythm

The UC Capitals faced an uphill battle throughout, struggling to find any offense.

WNBA and Australian Opals guard Jade Melbourne just can't seem to find her rhythm. She had 16 points on 5-from-17 from the field, including just 1-from-5 from three.

The Capitals were a dismal 13.6% from beyond the arc. Charli Collier put in a solid effort on the boards, matching Lauren Cox of the Fire with a game-high 10 rebounds. The Capitals were out-rebounded 52-43, further highlighting the Fire's dominance in all aspects of the game.

Looking ahead

Townsville hosts 4-5 Geelong United (Game Centre) on Sunday, December 29, 2024 in the first of their home and home double header of Round 9 and then two days later on New Year's Eve, the Fire play the last game WNBL of 2024 against 9-1 Bendigo Spirit (Game Centre). UC Capitals play their last game of the year against 8-3 Perth Lynx (Game Centre) at home on Sunday, December 29, 2024.