Puoch flexes WNBA muscles in 27-point show

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basketball.com.au

Puoch flexes WNBA muscles in 27-point show

Nyadiew Puoch of the UC Capitals and Japreece Dean of the Lightning compete for the ball during the round 11 WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena, on January 11, 2025, in Canberra. Photo: by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Atlanta Dream draftee Nyadiew Puoch puts on 27-point show

Nyadiew Puoch shoots 55% from the field, dominates Adelaide
Caps guard Jade Melbourne has assist-led double-double
WNBL veteran Abbey Bishop signs with Capitals

WNBA-bound Nyadiew Puoch owned the Adelaide Lightning, pouring in a game-high 27 points in UC Capitals 91-76 win (Game Centre) in round 11 of WNBL25 at the AIS Arena in Canberra on January 11, 2025.

The 20-year-old Tasmanian, drafted 12th by the Atlanta Dream in 2024, was 11-from-20 from the field (55%), grabbed five rebounds, two steals and a block.

The Capitals seized control early and never looked back, moving to 5-10 on the season. The Caps are 6th.

Adelaide, after a nice honeymoon post the signing of Scott Ninnis, have struggled. The Lightning had the chance to go above the Caps, but dropped to 5-10 and into 7th.

Jade Melbourne of the UC Capitals celebrates a three during the round 11 WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena, on January 11, 2025, in Canberra. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Capitals set the tone from the opening tip, racing out to a 28-14 lead after the first quarter behind Puoch's aggressive play and pinpoint passing from WNBA and Australian Opals point guard Jade Melbourne. Adelaide struggled to find their rhythm early, committing several costly turnovers that the Capitals converted into easy transition baskets.

Statistically, the Capitals dominated in several key areas. They shot an efficient 47% from the field compared to just 40% for Adelaide, and won the turnover battle 18-16. Perhaps most importantly, UC converted 26 points off turnovers, repeatedly capitalising on Adelaide's mistakes.

While Puoch stole the show Melbourne orchestrated the offense beautifully with 12 assists to go along with 11 points. Centre Carley Collier notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence on both ends.

The Capitals have signed WNBL and WNBA veteran Abbey Bishop as an injury replacement player. Bishop, 36, played just under 10 minutes, had four points a two-point field goal and a pair of free throws.

Bishop has joined the squad after the Capitals lost Ella Tofaeono and Meg Jefferson to injury. The South Australian is a WNBA champion (2010), three-time WNBL champion (2007, 2009, 2010), WNBL Most Valuable Player (2015), and WNBL Rookie of the Year (2006).