Canberra Capitals Edge Closer to WNBL Finals with Gritty Adelaide Victory
The Canberra Capitals have kept their WNBL finals aspirations firmly alive with a determined but unconvincing 67-61 win over the struggling Adelaide Lightning. This crucial victory comes at a pivotal moment for the Capitals, who had lost four of their previous five matches and face a challenging end to the regular season.
Capitals Overcome Offensive Struggles in Tight Contest
Despite securing the win, Canberra's performance was far from their usual attacking standards. The team lacked their characteristic offensive flair, raising questions about how much they are missing star point guard Jade Melbourne, who remains sidelined with a hand injury. Coach Paul Goriss acknowledged Melbourne's importance but expressed confidence in his squad's depth and resilience.
"Obviously, she's a big part of our team. But we've still got enough in that locker room. We've got enough talent and depth to cover for her," Goriss stated after the match.
Key Performers Step Up in Crucial Moments
Opal Zitina Aokuso emerged as a pivotal figure for the Capitals, contributing nine points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a well-rounded performance. Her leadership proved invaluable, particularly in maintaining composure during tense moments.
"(Aokuso) does a great job of leading this team. She can be emotional, but what she does is calm everybody down," Goriss explained. "She does a great job of being able to keep things normal and sane around the group."
Nyadiew Puoch provided significant offensive spark with 15 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while Isa Brancatisano added 13 points to the scoreboard. Puoch's second-quarter burst, where she scored 10 points, proved particularly decisive in establishing Canberra's halftime lead.
Adelaide's Struggles Continue as Wooden Spoon Battle Looms
For the Adelaide Lightning, the loss solidifies their position at the bottom of the WNBL ladder with a 5-15 record. Their offensive struggles were evident throughout the contest, with the team converting only 40 percent of their two-point attempts. Key scorer Sania Feagin was limited to just eight points, though Steph Talbot (21 points, eight rebounds) and Dallas Loughridge (11 points, five assists) provided some bright spots for the home team.
Lightning coach Aja Parham-Ammar remained philosophical about the result, emphasizing her team's fighting spirit despite the defeat. "We fought, and I'm grateful for that. The team didn't stop playing," she said. "We got young players on the court that just need to understand how to play in those moments, and they'll get better."
Daunting Schedule Awaits Capitals in Final Stretch
The victory moves Canberra to an 8-10 record, placing them equal on wins with the fourth-placed Southside Melbourne Flyers (8-9). However, the Capitals face a formidable challenge in their remaining fixtures, with four of their final five games coming against teams currently occupying top-four positions.
This win provides crucial momentum as Canberra prepares for this demanding stretch, though concerns about their offensive consistency remain. The team's ability to grind out victories despite not playing their best basketball could prove vital in their finals push.
Late Surge Falls Short for Adelaide
The match remained competitive throughout, with Adelaide staying within striking distance despite Canberra's halftime advantage. The Lightning mounted a late challenge in the final minute, reducing a 10-point deficit to just four, but their comeback attempt proved too little, too late.
Both teams displayed sloppy play in the opening quarter, but Canberra gradually established control through the middle periods. The Capitals tightened their offensive execution in the fourth quarter after conceding numerous turnovers earlier in the match.
Adelaide now faces a critical encounter against the seventh-placed Geelong Venom on Saturday, with the result likely determining which team claims the wooden spoon for the season.
