19 November 2007 By Graham Croker
A stand-out display from Australian Opal Rohanee Cox led the Townsville Fire to an upset 83-65 win over competition leaders, the ACUVUE Sydney University Flames in their Women’s National Basketball League encounter at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday night.
Cox backed up 27 points with 15 rebounds as the Fire subjected the Flames to their second loss of the season in a game that was played as a curtain-raiser for the NBL clash between the Sydney Kings and the West Sydney Razorbacks.
Having posted their fourth win of the season, the Fire are now in the top four with a 4-4 record, while the Flames remain at the top of the ladder with a 7-3 record.
The hosts were continually frustrated by the Fire’s pressing defence on Friday night, and it was evident from the outset when baskets were a rare commodity.
However, the Flames gradually found some rhythm and went to the first break with an 18-16 lead, thanks to Natalie Porter’s eight points for the quarter.
After Tanya Baxter levelled the scores early in the second term, the Fire went on a seven-point run. And with consecutive three-pointers from Cox, the visitors went to the main break with a 45-39 lead.
Despite baskets from Kristen Veal and a three-pointer from Michelle Musselwhite, the Fire held their advantage and went into the final term with a 63-54 lead.
Maintaining a tight defence, they restricted the Flames to just 11 points for the quarter while Cox and Jennifer Crouse kept piling on the points.
Following successive losses, the Flames will be hoping to right the ship when they take on the Australian Institute of Sport this Wednesday (November 21) at the Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre. Tip-off: 7pm.
Townsville Fire 83 (Rohanee Cox 27, Jennifer Crouse 17, Tania Baxter 13) d ACUVUE Sydney University Flames 65 (Alicia Poto 19, Natalie Porter 14, Kristen Veal 10).