The Southside Melbourne Flyers are set to take on the UC Capitals on Friday night at the AIS Arena. The two teams last met in the season opener on the 18th of October at John Cain Arena, with the Capitals taking home a 9 point win. The Flyers will look to get one back in this must-win game.
After losing three straight, the Flyers will be eager to find some form in the second half of this season as they push to make finals. The Capitals are in a similar position but come into this game with more momentum, having won their last two. This is a pivotal game for both sides in the context of the season.
The Flyers showed some positive signs in their game against the Bendigo Spirit on Sunday and Kristi Harrower is hoping that her side can take some confidence from their performance, despite the result, and bring it into this game. The Flyers were able to go on a 13-0 run to start the third quarter, demonstrating their ability to get stops and play with pace in transition. Although post-match, Harrower emphasised the need to put four quarters together in order to win games.
This game has match-ups between some of the league’s best players all over the floor. Cayla George and Zitina Aokuso will play each other for the first time this season. Both bigs are extremely talented with a strong inside presence that their teams will no doubt try to utilise. George has the ability to shoot the three and the capacity to spread the floor and create mismatches that lead to scoring opportunities for the Flyers. This matchup is likely to be physical and have a huge effect on the final result.
The matchup between guards Maddy Rocci and Jade Melbourne is also one to watch. Rocci has been a bright spot in some of the Flyer’s recent games, especially in Perth where she managed a team high 24 points, 8 assists, and 2 blocks, along with 8 rebounds. Similarly, Melbourne has also been having a big impact for her side, finding her teammates and playing with pace at both ends. Expect both guards to go at it, as they aim to take control of the game.
This is going to be an exciting contest between two teams that are hungry for wins as they aim to finish within the top four.
Flyers in Canberra
Friday December 12
AIS Arena
7:00pm
Live on 9NOW - ESPN on Disney
