Cambage carries her Flyers past Fire

A POWERFUL performance by star centre Elizabeth Cambage led Southside to a key WNBL victory over Townsville on Saturday afternoon in the North Queensland hub.

WNBA big Cambage was as dominant as she was efficient, making 11 of her first 14 shots as she led the game in scoring the entire way.

The regular Opal also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds in just over 27 minutes on the court.

Townsville were sloppy with the ball early on and shot poorly as the championship fancies Southside snuck out to a quick 12-point advantage.

The Flyers shared the ball well in the early stages, scoring eight goals from eight assists.

Like many WNBL clubs, Townsville did not have any answers for Cambage as she had 17 at the half.

Cole gave her side a little of everything, able to fill it up herself, as well as setting the table for her teammates in an impressive display.

Rising star of Australian basketball Shyla Heal kept Townsville in the game in the first half with a deep two from the blonde point guard forcing a time-out from the Flyers midway through the second term.

That key bucket gave Heal nine points at the time.

With 15 to her name early in the third term, Heal left the game in pain following an elbow to the midriff as she tried to fight her way through a screen.

The daughter of Australian basketball legend, Shane, would return to the game and was Townsville’s best in the defeat.

“Our defence was horrible the whole game,” Heal said post-match.

“We really need to watch the film and adjust.”

Fire guard Lauren Nicholson left the game approaching quarter-time with blood coming from her nose after accidentally colliding with opponent Jenna O’hea’s knee as they both went for a loose ball.

Nicholson did not return to the game but was cleared and will be available for the team’s next contest in the condensed season.