Boomers edge Flames in historic game at Quaycentre
A gallant Sydney Flames have fallen just short of a memorable first game at Quaycentre, going down 73-63 to the Melbourne Boomers on Friday night.
Keely Froling did all she could on the historic night for the club, posting 20 points and 13 rebounds in the defeat.
Match summary
Both teams struggled to score early on before Flames skipper Keely Froling hit the first-ever field goal at the Quaycentre – helping the hosts jump to a 9-4 lead after four minutes. The Hoops Capital side pushed on from there, to lead 16-11 after Emma Clarke’s back-cut lay-up off a sharp Froling dime. More slick passing from Shane Heal’s side kept his side in front 25-16 after the club’s best first quarter of the season.
The harbour city side continued their charge in the second, scoring nine of the first 13 to extend their lead to 14 points. The Boomers then fought back and went on a 11-3 run, sparked by Kristy Wallace and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, to close within five. But a late Shyla Heal jumper put the hosts up 39-32 at the main break. The star of the first 20 minutes for Sydney was Froling, who had a double-double (13 points and 11 boards) at half-time.
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The hosts’ lead quickly dwindled on the back of second-chance points, as an 11-3 run – capped by Miela Goodchild triple – put them up 43-42. The two sides then traded baskets for the majority of the term, seeing the visitors hold a slender 52-50 advantage heading into the last.
Both teams, sensing the game was there to be won, started the term strongly and free-scoring. The hosts’ aggressive play on offence saw them draw the Boomers’ fifth team foul with just under six to play before some key defensive stops kept Heal’s outfit made it 62-60. Down the stretch, sloppy turnovers by the Flames and solid execution from Melbourne, including some big shots by Cayla George, saw the reigning champions secure their sixth win of WNBL23 73-63 – while handing the Flames their seventh loss.
Where the match was decided
The Boomers won the game thanks to a superior field goal percentage (43-35), three-point percentage (40-29), points off turnovers (21-7) and fast-break points (8-2).
Key moment
Heading into the final quarter, the Flames trialled 52-50 but a 21-13 last term by Melbourne powered them to the 10-point round six win at Quaycentre.
Keely Froling marks the first ever bucket in the Quaycentre🏀
Watch it all on 9Now#FlameOn pic.twitter.com/36KW824FEp
— Sydney Flames (@TheSydneyFlames) December 16, 2022
Player of the game
Captain Froling led the way for the Flames, scoring at will from inside and outside the arc – shown by her double-double, complemented by four dimes and one block.
What’s next
Heal’s side will remain in Sydney ahead of next Friday’s showdown with the Canberra Capitals from 7.15pm AEDT at Quaycentre.
Tickets to the round seven showdown, in which the Hoops Capital club will celebrate Christmas, are available here.