Flames star Leilani Mitchell lands clutch jumper to sink Canberra Capital

CAPTAIN Belinda Snell and Opals star Leilani Mitchell helped lift the Flames to a thrilling 77-75 victory over the Canberra Capitals.

Flames baller Leilani Mitchell is making a big impact in the WNBL.

CAPTAIN Belinda Snell and Opals star Leilani Mitchell helped lift the Flames to a thrilling 77-75 victory over the Canberra Capitals.

Trailing 36-33 at halftime in the first of two tough matches this round, the Flames out-scored Canberra 21-13 in the third to set up their win.

It was a close call, however, with the two sides locked at 75-75 with 11 seconds remaining and Flames imports Jen Hamson and Asia Taylor both in foul trouble.

“Leilani landed a two point floater as calm as you like,” said coach Cheryl Chambers.

“She was incredible and so was Snelly.

“She was directing traffic, shooting, passing, getting it all together. Just unbelievable.”

Flames baller Leilani Mitchell is making a big impact in the WNBL.

Snell scored 19 in the first half, ending the game with 28 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Mitchell chipped in 16 crucial points and five assists.

“They deserved this win. They really did,” Chambers said.

“I’m proud of them.”

The Flames have a tough run to the playoffs of the WNBL with their next outing against the Suzy Batkovic led Townsville Fire on Saturday in another top four showdown.

Fire have been in top form recently, winning five of their last six games, but need to beat the Flames by six to take the series split on aggregate.

A highlight of the match is expected to be the battle between multiple Player of the Week recipient Asia Taylor and Batkovic.

In round 17 the Flames hit the road again to meet the Boomers in Melbourne on February 5 before taking on league leaders, Dandenong, on February 11.

Their final match of the regular season is against Adelaide on February 18.