WNBL: Geelong United defeated 74-81 against Sydney Flames ahead of four-game road trip

Geelong United has gone 0-2 in its series with Sydney, after an early deficit proved a stretch too far for the new franchise to close in the final minutes of a heated contest.

Sydney Flames’ Shaneice Swain handles the ball with ease. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Geelong United will brace for a tough month on the road, after an impassioned comeback at home against a hot Sydney Flames fell short on Saturday night.

In what was United’s third game in seven days, and with both clubs vying for third-straight wins, the Flames’ lead blew out to as much as 21 points in the second quarter with United later forced to try rein in a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth.

Elissa Brett came out with the first punch of the final term, putting up the first six points and pressuring the Flames on the defensive end, though former Geelong NBL1 star and Flames young gun Shaneice Swain, who burned United a fortnight ago from beyond the arc in a 35-point win, continued to be a thorn in Geelong’s side with a game-high 21 points.

Geelong United captain Keely Froling drives to the basket against Celeste Taylor. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

As the physicality of the contest hit its peak, things got fiery midway through the period when Flames import Yemiyah Morris retaliated against United captain Keely Froling for a flagrant elbow and unsportsmanlike foul, though Froling would also go to the free-throw line after she too was fouled by Swain.

With a 1000-plus home crowd firmly in Geelong’s corner, there was a sniff of the impossible comeback, United getting within four points with 3.30 left on the clock.

But despite plenty of turnovers — Swain the main culprit with 12 – the Flames did enough, getting Cayla George a three-point play and on the end of another pick and roll play, to eventually see the game out, 81-74.

Flames coach Guy Molloy was happy to take out the road win. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Flames coach Guy Molloy likened the second half to that of an AFL game: “it was that physical”.

“Bodies flying everywhere,” Molloy said.

“I think it got into Geelong United’s style, not necessarily our style … they forced us to have to meet that physicality so credit to our young team, that we did do that and made enough plays to get home.”

Geelong’s early setbacks costly

United’s thrilling overtime win against Southside Flyers on Wednesday night came despite a 13-point first period deficit.

After finding themselves down 13 points again early against the Flames, United wouldn’t be so lucky a second time.

For Geelong coach Chris Lucas, it was that start to the game, and 10 first period turnovers, which proved most disappointing.

“We’ve got behind in most games and the group will keep fighting, we got back within four, we missed two open lay-ups, missed foul shots and all of a sudden it’s a different ball-game, but we shouldn’t have been in that position in the start,” Lucas said.

“From the first quarter we were playing catch-up.

“Our execution at times was not great, that’s credit to Sydney really, but I think we can learn from tonight.”

Geelong United mentor Chris Lucas speaks to players during Saturday’s night loss. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The Flames, who were without starters Mikeala Ruef and Emma Clarke, ran hot on the offensive end particularly from the perimeter, their three-point percentage at one point shadowing United 42.3 per cent to 18.8.

Twelve of Australian Opal and WNBA champion George’s 16 points were from beyond the arc, Swain hit three threeballs and 18-year-old Bonnie Deas stepped up with two long range daggers at crucial times to finish with 10 points off the bench.

“Defensively we broke down and allowed them to get a lot more perimeter shots,” Lucas said.

“We had enough shots in the keyway (50-29), we just didn’t finish.”

Hannah Hank puts up a shot in the paint for United. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

United import Haley Jones made a series of big drives to the basket late to finish with a team-high 16 points, though her record was somewhat blemished by eight turnovers, Froling fought hard for a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) though had little luck getting her shots to drop going 4-11 from the field, though it was Hannak Hank who proved the real bright spot at both ends of the court to finish with 12 points (including 85 per cent shooting in the key), seven rebounds and four steals from 23 minutes game-time.

“She’s one of the hardest workers at practice, she gives it her all every day so we’re not surprised, she slowed down which was great and she was able to finish,” guard Jaz Shelley said of Hank.

“She’s going to be an unreal player for us.”

Tough tests await United on the road

Geelong now have a nine-day break before heading interstate to face top-two Perth Lynx in what kicks off a tough month on the road.

Away games against Townsville, Canberra and Southside Flyers follow, with Geelong’s next home game not until January 12.

“January is going to be really tough for the team, both physically and mentally but I think we’ve had a little taste of it this week,” Lucas said.
“I really think we can learn a lot from this week, and to come out 2-1, if you had of said that a week ago, we would have been pretty happy so there is a lot of positives.”

Sydney head north to Townsville to kick off round 8 on Wednesday.

Originally published as WNBL: Geelong United defeated 74-81 against Sydney Flames ahead of four-game road trip