Sara Blicavs before her 250th WNBL game. (Image: @SouthsideFlyers - Twitter)
Finishing the 2022 year in style, the Southside Flyers put together a consistent four-quarter domination to continue their strong form post-Christmas in a solid win over the UC Capitals.
Going into the game, the Flyers were looking to build from their dominant win over the Bendigo Spirit, whilst the Capitals tried to find positives and stay close throughout the whole game, if not try to win as Kristen Veal continues to seek her first win in the WNBL as head coach.
The Southside Flyers set the tone in the first half, as they found their flow on both ends of the court. The Flyers’ defence was solid in the first half, as they restricted the visitors to 25 points.
At halftime, Southside dominated the rebound count, 24-15, while also punishing Canberra off its turnovers scoring 16 points from that source.
The Flyers had several contributions and the players on the court shared the ball slickly, with Sara Blicavs, Kayla Thornton, Maddi Rocci, and Rebecca Cole providing the punch offensively.
For the Capitals, whilst coming out and showing fight in patches, Shaneice Swain and Nicole Munger linked up well offensively, with Swain projecting energy and knocking down tough shots, whilst Munger shot well from the arc as well as getting under the rim to help her side stay competitive.
The Flyers had a strong impact from the field, shooting at 45.5 per cent, whilst their strong defensive pressure reduced the Capitals shooting percentage from the field, holding them to 29 per cent from the field.
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Canberra was much more instrumental in the second half, bringing more energy and challenging the Flyers into missed baskets.
Whilst the Flyers continued to dictate the tempo more on their terms, continuing to shoot the ball well from the field and dominate the rebound count, the connection between Swain, Jade Melbourne and Munger was a shining light for the Capitals.
Southside down the stretch continued to work to its strengths, cutting and driving to the basket, finding the open options, and converting its shots to extend the margin to 22 points.
All players for the Flyers were able to hit the court, with four players finishing in double figures.
Sara Blicavs (14 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists), Kayla Thornton (13 points, six rebounds, and four assists), and Maddi Rocci (11 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal) were among the Flyers best.
The Southside Flyers will prepare for a top-four clash in round nine, facing the Melbourne Boomers in the second game of the Michele Timms Cup on Wednesday night before facing the Bendigo Spirit at home on Friday night.
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