Flames rally to win thriller

Flames have overcame a sharp-shooting Magpies outfit by three points off the back of a dominant display by point guard Zandalee Arthur in round 2 of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night.

Arthur poured in a game-high 17 points and had a number of assists as she ran the offence for Flames all night, repeatedly penetrating into the keyway and causing problems for Magpies’ defensive structure.

Magpies had the better of Flames early in the match as they were able to navigate through Flames’ trademark full court press and produce a number of simple layups, finding themselves ahead 10-6 with seven minutes left in the half.

Flames adjusted on both ends of the floor and proceeded to go on a 10-0 run, which was eventually halted by Darcie Oreo’s second three-pointer of the evening.

Another score from beyond the arc for Jasmyne Jones brought Magpies level with Flames; however, two late baskets to Arthur gave Flames a three-point lead at half-time.

Magpies opened the second half with consecutive three-pointers to Oreo and Tamara Ditchburn but could not find any separation from Flames as they continued to respond to the shooting onslaught.

The teams traded baskets down the stretch and Oreo’s fourth long- distance shot followed by a free throw to Tully Lane levelled the scores at 44 late in the piece.

Arthur and Grove both found the bottom of the net in the dying stages for Flames, giving them a tough three-point win.

Flames’ Jordan Tester played a good support role to Arthur with 12 points while Grove also added 10. Oreo’s accuracy from long range meant she finished with 12 points while Ditchburn and Narelle Humphries both scored eight points. In the other fixtures Raiders under-18 development squad defeated Panthers 36-28 while Grammar Griffins disposed of Sparks 41-20.