The Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) title defence is over for Micaela Cocks and Townsville Fire.
Cocks had a three-point attempt rim out to try and force overtime in the 77-72 loss to Dandenong but ultimately her 200thappearance for the Fire ended in disappointment.
The acting captain finished with 14 points (5/10FG) but ultimately her effort, and that of Stella Beck (4 points), were not enough.
It wasn’t a good weekend for another Kiwi skipper though. Toni Farnworth and Perth Lynx were beaten 64-59 in Melbourne by the Boomers. Farnworth’s shooting touch has deserted her of late and she went zero from five in this one.
Kalani Purcell doesn’t need to score too many points to influence a game and again the Tall Ferns forward played a key role for Melbourne despite scoring just three points. She pulled down a team high 10 rebounds, a team best 3 steals and dished 4 assists in a typical all court display.
The two teams will meet again, this time in Perth, on Thursday.
Adelaide Lightning maintained fourth spot on the WNBL ladder with an 110-61 dismantling of Sydney. Penina Davidson scored in double figures for the Lightning adding 5 rebounds to 13 points (4/8FG).
WNBL Ladder:
13-5 Canberra Capitals
13-5 Melbourne Boomers
11-7 Perth Lynx
11-7 Adelaide Lightning
8-10 Dandenong Rangers
7-11 Townsville Fire
7-11 Bendigo Spirit
2-16 Sydney Flames
LACEY LOWDOWN 