27 November 2007 By Paddy Wood
After regaining the lead in the Women’s National Basketball League with a comprehensive 85-57 win over the AIS on Wednesday night, the ACUVUE Sydney University Flames lost it again on Sunday when the Christchurch Sirens scored an upset 79-55 win over the Sydneysiders.
It was the fourth consecutive win for the in-form Sirens and a blow for the Flames, who move back to second-place in the standings.
After an even first-quarter, the Flames lost ground as Christchurch took the second 27-9. A third-quarter fight-back saw the gap reduced to just 11, before five 3-pointers from the home side reasserted the margin going into the fourth.
Shooting accuracy was a key difference on the night, with the Flames never quite finding their range. The Sirens sank 10/24 three-point attempts, with the Flames only managing 3/18.
The home side also capitalised on a series of turnovers, scoring 15 points from Flames mistakes. Lamisha Augustine in attack (16 points and 13 rebounds) and captain Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe in defence (four steals) were the standouts against an under-strength Flames squad, sorely missing the influential Natalie Porter and Melissa Smith through injury.
A positive for the Flames was the impressive performance of guard Alicia Poto, who was forced into a more attacking role in Porter’s absence. Battling some heavy duty defence, Poto netted 25 points with nine rebounds.
The Flames will travel north this week to take on fourth-placed Townsville on Friday night.
Christchurch Sirens 79 (Lamisha Augustine 16, Natalie Purcell 12, Ashley Awkward 11, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 11, Donna Wilkins 10) d ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames 55 (Alicia Poto 25).