Nov

On Fire, Jade shines in Capitals first WNBL win

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basketball.com.au

On Fire, Jade shines in Capitals first WNBL win

Jade Melbourne of the Capitals drives to the bucket during the Round Four WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Townsville Fire at AIS Arena, on November 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

WNBA and Opals guard Jade Melbourne drops 20 on Fire

Jade Melbourne leads UC Capitals to narrow victory with 20 points and 7 assists
Zia Cooke's game-high 22 points not enough for Townsville Fire
Capitals improve to 5-3 record while Fire drop to 4-4 in tight WNBL standings

The UC Capitals secured a nail-biting 81-80 win (Game Centre) against the Townsville Fire in a pulsating WNBL encounter at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Charli Colier of the Capitals drives to the basket during the round four WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Townsville Fire at AIS Arena, on November 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Melbourne Magic Propels Capitals

WNBA and Australian Opals guard Jade Melbourne delivered a stellar performance to lead the UC Capitals to their first win of the season, dropping 20 points, dishing seven assists, and grabbing three rebounds in 36 minutes. She shot 4-7 from three and 7-12 overall from the field.

The young guard's leadership was evident as she orchestrated the Capitals' offense and made crucial plays down the stretch.

The Capitals' balanced attack with three players score in double figures, with Charli Collier adding 15 points and four assists, while Chantel Horvat contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. This collective effort proved crucial in overcoming a strong performance from the Fire's Zia Cooke, who led all scorers with 22 points.

WNBA-found Nyadiew Puoch added seven points, two rebounds and a pair of steals in 19 minutes.

WNBA draftee Nyadiew Puoch of the Capitals shoots a tough fall away during the round four WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Townsville Fire at AIS Arena, on November 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Fire's Late Surge Falls Short

Despite Cooke's offensive output, the Fire couldn't quite get over the line in a tense fourth quarter. Lauren Cox (15 points, seven rebounds) and Courtney Woods (12 points, nine rebounds) provided valuable support, but the Fire ultimately fell short by a point.

The loss drops Townsville's record to 2-2, while the Capitals improve to 1-4.

Looking ahead, both teams face crucial matchups on Saturday, November 2023. The UC Capitals will aim to build on the momentum when they face Geelong United in Geelong (Game Centre) while the Townsville Fire will look to bounce back in their home game against the Adelaide Lightning (Game Centre) at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

Zia Cooke of Townsville, who had a game-high 22, shoots a jumper during the round four WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Townsville Fire at AIS Arena, on November 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Key Statistics Tell the Tale

The close contested was reflected in the statistics, with both teams shooting efficiently from the field. The Capitals' 44.1% field goal percentage was narrowly edged by the Fire's 46.2%, while Townsville shot 52.4% compared to the Capitals' 38.5% from three.

Rebounding proved critical with the Fire winning the battle on the boards 38-30. But the Capitals' ability to force turnovers and convert them into points (23 points compared to the Fire's 12) ultimately proved the difference.

The Capitals did a great job protecting the ball with just 12 turnovers while the Fire were a little looser with 18, four and half a quarter.