Flames the WNBL’s Cardiac Queens after run of close calls on way to minor premiership

IT was a nickname once coined to describe their male counterparts in Sydney — the Cardiac Kings. Now the Sydney Flames have earned their own take on the moniker as the WNBL’s Cardiac Queens.

Asia Taylor is crucial to the Flames’ bid for the WNBL crown. Pic: Geoff Tripp.

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IT was a nickname once coined to describe their male counterparts at the Sydney Kings — the Cardiac Kings

Now the Sydney Uni Flames have earned their own take on the moniker as the WNBL’s Cardiac Queens.

Despite trailing the majority of their matches at halftime, the Flames have secured the 2016/2017 minor premiership courtesy of a thrilling four point victory over Dandenong Rangers on the weekend.

And once again, they did it the hard way, this time needing to outscore Dandenong 21-11 in the inal period and go on a six point scoring run in the final minute to ensure the 81-77 victory.

Belinda Snell lead by example in the Flames’ win over Dandenong on Saturday.

At one stage 13 down, the Flames had to recover from a six point deficit at both halftime and three-quarter time to take the minor premiership title with a game in hand.

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“It’s getting crazy,’’ said coach Cheryl Chambers of the number of final period resurgences by the Flames this season.

Close calls have become second nature for the team, with eight of their 17 wins this year decided by one to five point margins.

Six of their last seven games have been decided by four points or less and more than half their victories have been determined in the final two minutes of the game.

Asia Taylor will be key to better defence from the Flames. Pic: Geoff Tripp.

“I think they just like to see me get animated at half time,’’ Chambers laughed.

“But seriously they cannot afford to be too far behind anyone when its finals times.’’

Leilani Mitchell top scored for the Flames with 19 points, four rebounds and seven assist with captain Belinda Snell chipping in 17 points, six rebounds and sevens assist.

American Jennifer Hamson racked up a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds to be a force at both ends of the court.

The Flames will play Adelaide in their final match of the regular season at Brydens Stadium in Sydney on Saturday.

Their opponents in the three-match semi-final series will not be determined until next weekend.