Sydney Uni Flames into WNBL playoffs after thrilling victory over Townsville Fire
THE Sydney Uni Flames have secured a spot in the WNBL playoffs thanks to one of the most extraordinary finishes to a game this season.
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THE Sydney Uni Flames have secured a spot in the WNBL playoffs with three rounds of the regular season to play thanks to one of the most extraordinary finishes to a game this season.
When Townsville gun and former Opal Suzy Batkovic headed to the foul line with 2.4 seconds to go and with her side trailing by just one, the Flames believed their second road game of the round had slipped away.
Incredibly one of the most prolific and accurate shooters in the game missed both shots to help deliver the Flames a 76-75 win in Townsville on Saturday night.
Ironically Batkovic, who scored 19 of her 21 points in the first half on Saturday, had helped pulled off a miracle win for her side against the Flames in their last meeting when she desperately — but successfully — produced a reverse layup while kneeling on the floor to send that match-up into overtime.
“It was just an exciting win and they probably feel a little robbed,” said coach Cheryl Chambers.
“Suzy was at the foul line and missed them both which is quite incredible.”
Following on from their 77-75 victory against fellow top four contenders Canberra on Thursday, the Flames are now assured of a spot in the playoffs.
“Where we will finish we still don’t know but we can get top spot by winning everything left,” Chambers confirmed.
The Flames shared the scoring against Townsville with Leilani Mitchell pulling in 15 points, sevens rebounds and three assists.
Captain Belinda Snell scored 14 and made four rebounds and six assists.
The Flames have just one outing in round 17 and will head to Melbourne to take on the Boomers next Sunday.
The Flames are hoping to become the first Sydney team since 2000/01 to win a WNBL crown this season.
The Flames have not made a WNBL final since 2007/08 when beaten to the main prize by Adelaide Lightning.
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