Looking to build momentum after beating the Lynx, the Caps made the quick trip up the Hume to face the Sydney Flames. Unfortunately, a poor start had the Caps playing from behind all game, and despite another stellar effort from Nards Puoch, the Caps dropped an 84-72 decision to the 6th place Flames.
First quarter
The Caps started off slow while the Flames got off to a quick start with Shaneice Swain and Agnes Emma-Nnopu hitting two early threes. The Caps would bounce back, as Nards got going with 8 first quarter points, but the Flames bench unit would provide the spark, ending the quarter on a 10-1 run to give the Flames a 22-14 lead at quarter time.
Second quarter
A strong 11-4 run to start the 2nd quarter had the Caps cut the lead to 1. However, off a timeout Sydney locked win with Keeley Froling getting loose for inside buckets, and Caitlyn Martin, Jess McDowell-White, and Maddy Norris all getting hot from 3. With the Caps failing to limit the Flames second chances, a late Carla Pitman 3 gave Sydney a 53-34 lead heading into halftime.
Third quarter
Seeking to redeem themselves, the Caps started the quarter strong with Munger, Z and Nards doing the bulk of the work to cut the deficit down to 10. However, two late 3s by Maddy Norris and Carla Pitman restored the lead to 16, before Nards closed the quarter with a layup to give the Caps some life, as they trail by 14, 69-55 heading into the final quarter.
Fourth quarter
The Caps started the 4th quarter strong once again, cutting the lead down to as little as 9 with more than half the quarter left, but like they’ve done all game, the Flames came through with clutch shots that kept the Caps at bay. Jess McDowell-White came up with another end of the shot clock heave that basically ended the last Caps rally. Sydney would end up with an 84-72 victory, as the Caps will look to regroup ahead of HoopsFest next weekend.
Nards led the way for the Caps, backing up her 23 point outing against Perth with a stellar 24 point-8 rebound performance this afternoon.
One thing to watch for the Caps is the status of Kadi Sissoko, who went down after an inadvertent forearm late to her face late in the game.
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