In a must-win clash for both teams, early attention centred on key matchups between Australian Opals Lauren Nicholson and Steph Talbot, as well as import bigs Unique Thompson and Sania Feagin.
Speaking ahead of the game, Lightning leader Tayla Brazel said,
“The team has been building something special and are ready to show everyone what they have been working on.”
The Flames jumped out to a strong start, leading 20–13 at the end of the first quarter. But the Lightning flipped the switch early in the second, with a decisive Strawbridge–Bollmann passage of play swinging momentum. Highlighted by a Strawbridge three and a Bollmann defensive stop that led to an assist for Strawbridge on an open layup, the sequence allowed the Lightning to reclaim the lead.
The second quarter belonged to Adelaide, who ramped up defensive pressure and pushed the pace. They punctuated the half with a successful fast break play from Talbot to Feagin with three seconds remaining.
The Flames came out of halftime with renewed energy, trimming the Lightning’s lead to just three points. But the Lightning responded with intensity on both ends, pulling away to finish the third quarter with a commanding 70–53 advantage.
Feagin’s versatility was on full display, stepping out to hit three of five from beyond the arc, capitalizing on the space generated by the Lightning’s off-ball movement and unselfish offense. She added another double-double to her season, finishing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
Dallas Loughridge started quietly but came alive in the second half, finishing with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, continuing to demonstrate poise, patience, and leadership beyond her years.
Lightning captain Steph Talbot was once again named player of the game, contributing 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
All 10 Lightning players hit the court and contributed to the 19-point victory over the Flames. Bollmann (3/3), Strawbridge (2/2), Robati (1/1), Porter (1/1), and Brazel (1/1) all shot 100% from the field.
In the postgame press conference, Erin Bollmann spoke about rebuilding the “China Bowl with the gold”—a reference to Kintsugi (金継ぎ), the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Rather than concealing the cracks, Kintsugi celebrates them as part of the piece’s history, transforming damage into strength and individuality—a metaphor that perfectly captures the Lightning Bowl’s ongoing rebuild.
With a roster full of unique and emerging talent, the Lightning’s evolution is shaping up as one of the most compelling storylines to follow in the second half of the WNBL season.
The Lightning travel to Bendigo this week before returning to Spark House on Sunday, December 21, to take on Han Xu and the Perth Lynx. 2-for-1 tickets are available here.
