27 August 2007 By Verena Stocker
Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (
www.photoexcellence.com.au)
In the last full-team hit-out before the start of the Women’s National Basketball League season, the ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames sent out a strong warning to other teams with a convincing 93-81 win over the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
The exhibition match at the Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre was highlighted by some excellent team work, with stand-out performances coming from key Flames players Natalie Porter and Alicia Poto.
There was little the Badgers could do to prevent Porter from dominating the game with 26 points and four assists. Poto demonstrated phenomenal accuracy from the three-point line to shoot 23 points with three assists.
Kristen Veal again showed her talent as one of the league’s best players, finishing the game with nine assists.
The Flames controlled the tempo for most of the game and despite a resurgence in the third quarter, the Badgers, were no match in the final term. The 12-point win confirms the Flames as strong contenders for the 2007-08 season.
The first quarter saw the Americans overwhelmed by Flames’ pressure and unable to find answers to their up-beat tempo which saw them dominate the opening quarter 25-17.
Taking control of the second quarter early on, the Flames demonstrated some great shooting from Porter combined with accurate Poto three-pointers. The Badgers continued to struggle with ball control, allowing the Flames to go into half-time with a 48-36 lead.
In a change of momentum, the third quarter saw Wisconsin improve their accuracy and place pressure on Flames defence. A succession of free throws saw the Badgers edge to within two points of the hosts. However a late surge saw the Flames established a four-point lead going into the final quarter.
Leading 68-64, the Flames opened the final term with a three-pointer from Michelle Musselwhite and they never looked in doubt again. Accurate shooting from Sydney saw them continually pressure the Badgers and go on to a well deserved win.
ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames 93 (Porter 26, Poto 23, Musselwhite 19) d
University of Wisconsin 81 (Anderson 24, Banks 15, Gibson 11) at Hornsby Brickpit.