The UC Capitals have won a thrilling match against the Adelaide Lightning, winning 97-90 in overtime as the WNBL’s bottom two teams played an intense game at the National Convention Centre Canberra on Thursday evening.

It was an electrifying match from the start as Isabel Borlase got things rolling with a picture-perfect 3-pointer for the visiting Lighting. However, Canberra quickly fired back with a 3-pointer from Elizabeth Tonks.

With Burrell’s impressive footwork, the Caps were able to keep up with their opponents. However, Adelaide’s Borlase continued to dominate the court, scoring repeatedly.

The tension was palpable as the quarter progressed, with both teams determined to outplay each other on defence. With 2:40 left in the third quarter as Adelaide pulled ahead to take a 7-point lead. 

The Caps weren’t about to give up, though, and Britt Smart proved it by nailing a 3-pointers to close the gap.

The Capitals saved the best for last starting with a steal which lead to Jade Melbourne scoring a buzzer-beating 3-pointers to end the quarter. At the end of the first half, the Lighting, narrowly led the game with a score of 23-25.

The second quarter started with a bang as Tonks hit a 3-pointer, giving the Capitals the lead.  Talbot continued to shine for Adelaide, however Tonks kept her Capital team mates with a lead from an impressive shots.

After backing to the pitch again, Brittany Smart added to the Caps’ lead with a 3-pointer of her own, putting the team ahead by 9 points. Burrell was a powerhouse on defence, blocking multiple shots and keeping Adelaide at bay.

The visitors tried to close the gap with Jacinta Monroe’s efforts as the Caps maintained their lead.

Brittany Smart hit another 3-pointers, giving the Caps a convenient 11 points lead with two minutes left in the quarter. The Caps went into the halftime break with a comfortable 12-point lead.

After the first quarter, Burrell led the Caps with 14 points. Tonks and Smart each scored 9 points. Among Adelaide’s scorers, Talbot led with 9 points, while Borlase chipped in with 8. The score was 45-33 in favor of the Caps.

The third quarter kicked off with Jacinta Monroe scoring a layup and foul shot, but the Caps regained the lead with two quick 3-pointers from Rebecca Pizzey and Jade Melbourne. 

Halfway through the third quarter, the Caps tightened up their defence and made their presence felt with multiple steals as the UC Capitals maintained a 14-point lead with the home crowd clearly on their feet. At the end of the third quarter, the Capitals led 63-57.

The fourth quarter started with a bang as Talbot hit a 3-pointers to energize the Adelaide team. The Caps responded with a 3-pointers from Munger, but Adelaide wouldn’t back down.

With five minutes left in the game, Borlase leveled the scores. Although Monroe and Talbot both played well, Melbourne again stepped up and converted a clutch 3-pointers.

As we are getting towards the end of the game. Brittany Smart made a key steal with 60 seconds left in the game, which resulted in a free throw and an increased lead for the Caps.

With 15 seconds remaining, Borlase hit a game-tying 3-pointers for Adelaide, but a charge call against Jade Melbourne gave Adelaide the possession, however they failed to cash it in due to an illegal screen. Anyway, with the score of 85 each, the game went into overtime.

The first points came from Smart in OT who scored the first 3-pointer that gave the Caps the lead. In response, Talbot converted two foul shots for Adelaide and made the period exciting.

Despite Talbot’s efforts, Melbourne’s energy proved too much for the Lighting. In the meantime, Pizzey assisted and scored another 2-pointer to put the Caps ahead by five.

Adelaide tried to slow the game down with fouls, but the Caps won within the first OT with  97-90. It was only their second win of this WNBL season.

Burrell and Smart scored 18 points each, while Melbourne finished with 21 points and 11 assists. Talbot led Adelaide with the game’s highest 33 points and 17 rebounds, and Borlase scored 21.