Payne urges Fire to focus
THERE has been no time for the Townsville Fire to revel in their hard-fought win over Sydney University Flames.
But for Fire forward Nadeen Payne it is the perfect situation – now is the time to keep the momentum rolling.
Tuesday night’s clash went down to the wire, however in what was their first game at Townsville Stadium this campaign, the Fire fended off a late fightback to clinch the 81-78 victory.
However, with last season’s runners-up the Southside Flyers awaiting them, the hometown outfit’s focus has to immediately shift.
For Payne, it is a chance to keep the ball rolling and not get too far ahead of themselves.
Despite the tight scoreline, there were plenty of highlights the Fire can now capitalise on, namely Zitina Aokuso’s performance under the rim.
The Townsville fan favourite was a dominant rebound force in the fourth quarter and the quick turnaround presents a window to ensure that form is carried out throughout the competition.
“That was awesome, it was such the spark we needed,”
Payne said. “She was super strong on the rebound, I love it and she needs to keep doing it.
“As players it’s great, we’re just playing. Southside are a championship elite-level team so it’s going to be a great challenge for us but I think we’ll be right.”
Payne was one of several standouts for the Fire against the Flames, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
But it was often the nature of her execution that stood out, securing crucial three-pointers at stages when Sydney threatened to get back into the contest.
“I’m just doing my role, if I’m open I’m going to shoot it or drive and create for someone else,” Payne said.
“I think that’s what we do really well, you can’t contain all of us – we have such a talented team.”
Crucially, the orange brigade turned around their discipline, which cruelled them against the Canberra Capitals.
Despite that, Townsville have already showcased their ability to quickly rectify their issues, and unnecessary fouls were cast aside on home court.
Payne said lapses against the defending champions were not good enough.