Sydney Uni Flames still chasing first points of WNBL after ninth straight loss

The Sydney Uni Flames have paid the price for a dismal 17-point second half with Bendigo Spirit inflicting their ninth consecutive loss on the beleaguered former WNBL champions.

Flames coach Cheryl Chambers was without two of her top players against Bendigo.

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The Sydney Uni Flames have paid the price for a dismal four-point third period with Bendigo Spirit inflicting a ninth consecutive loss on the beleaguered former WNBL champions.

A week after they lost to Bendigo by just two points, the Flames again failed to put a win on their board in their worst ever start to a season.

While Tahlia Tupaea finally made it back onto the court after a four week lay-off due to a concussion, the Flames were missing both star Alex Bunton and captain Belinda Snell to injury.

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On Sunday the Flames came out strongly in the first period to lead 22-17 after the first 10 minutes of play.

But they were outscored in the second term 16-22 and never recovered.

Flames coach Cheryl Chambers was without two of her top players against Bendigo.

At halftime they trailed 38-39 and at three-quarter time were down 42-52 after being outscored 4-13.

“They were like a rudderless ship without their leaders out there,’’ said assistant coach Karen Dalton.

Earlier the Melbourne Boomer survived a late fightback from the Townsville Fire for their fourth straight win.

The Boomers beat the defending champions 79-75 with American Lindsay Allen topscoring with 21 points and six assists.

In the other match on Sunday the Canberra Capitals beat the Rangers 77-65.