Steph strikes down Flames on 19 points, seven boards

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Adelaide Lightning captain Steph Talbot set the tone, delivering one of the most complete performances of the game, as the home team secured a much-needed 76-65 WNBL26 win against the Sydney Flames in Adelaide on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

The WNBA veteran finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, shooting efficiently from everywhere (2PT, 3PT and FT all above 50%). Her ability to steady the offense, defend multiple positions consistently tilted momentum back Adelaide’s way.

Sydney (6-13) missed the opportunity to to draw level with fourth-placed (7-9) UC Capitals on seven wins while Adelaide moved to 5-13.

Dallas Loughridge matched Talbot’s scoring output with 19 points in nearly 38 minutes, living at the foul line (9-of-9 FT) and absorbing heavy on-ball responsibility. While her shooting from the field was mixed, her pressure drives and willingness to attack contact were critical in keeping Adelaide’s offence ticking.

Sania Feagin provided strong interior production with 14 points and 5 rebounds, mixing rim finishes with a timely three. Her physical presence forced defensive adjustments and opened space for Adelaide’s perimeter shooters.

Off the bench, Ashlee Strawbridge gave Adelaide a sharp lift in limited minutes, knocking down 3-of-3 from deep for 9 points and punishing any defensive over-help. Tayla Brazel added 10 points and 5 rebounds, doing the unglamorous work defensively while spacing the floor.

For Sydney, Shaneice Swain was the primary offensive threat, pouring in 20 points and carrying a heavy perimeter shooting load. Agnes Emma-Nnopu was highly efficient with 18 points on strong two-point finishing, while Keely Froling battled inside for 17 points and 9 rebounds. However, Sydney struggled to convert perimeter looks (8-of-35 from three), and several starters finished deep in the negatives in plus-minus as Adelaide’s defensive pressure mounted.

Key Details

• Result: Adelaide Lightning 76 def. Sydney Flames 65
• When: Tuesday, 13th January 2026
• Where: SA State Basketball Centre, Adelaide
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning) starred with 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks in 36 minutes.
• Shaneice Swain (Sydney Flames) scored 20 points, and had three rebounds, two assists and four steals in 28 minutes.

What Happened

The Lightning established early momentum with a balanced first quarter, matching Sydney's 23 points before taking control in the second period. Adelaide outscored the Flames 23-13 in the second quarter to build a 46-36 halftime advantage, setting the foundation for their eventual 11-point victory.

Sydney briefly threatened in the third quarter, matching Adelaide's lacklustre 12-point output to keep the deficit at 10 points heading into the final period. However, the Lightning's superior fourth-quarter execution proved decisive, as they outscored the Flames 18-16 to secure the win at home.

Adelaide dominated time in possession, leading for over 36 minutes compared to Sydney's mere two minutes in front. The Lightning's ability to maintain control throughout the contest demonstrated their superior game management and tactical execution.

Steph Talbot delivered an outstanding all-around performance, shooting efficiently at 66.67% from two-point range and connecting on three triples. Her defensive impact was equally impressive, recording three blocks and two steals while facilitating Adelaide's offense with five assists. Dallas Loughridge provided crucial support with 19 points of her own, including a perfect 9-from-9 performance from the charity stripe, while Sania Feagin contributed 14 points in a solid team effort.

For Sydney, Shaneice Swain led the scoring with 20 points but struggled from beyond the arc, managing just 4-from-13 from downtown. Agnes Emma-Nnopu provided valuable support with 18 points on efficient 5-from-7 two-point shooting, while Keely Froling added 17 points and nine boards. However, their efforts couldn't overcome Adelaide's balanced attack and superior three-point shooting.

The Lightning's three-point accuracy proved the decisive factor, connecting on 11-from-25 attempts (44%) compared to Sydney's poor 8-from-35 performance (22.86%). Adelaide's ability to spread the floor and find open looks from deep created scoring opportunities that the Flames couldn't match. The Lightning also controlled the boards better, securing 40 rebounds to Sydney's 39, while limiting second-chance opportunities.

Adelaide's defensive intensity forced Sydney into difficult shots throughout the contest. The Flames managed just 42.42% shooting from the field compared to Adelaide's more efficient 41.38%, though both teams struggled somewhat with their overall shooting percentages. The Lightning's rim protection, led by Talbot's three blocks, helped limit Sydney's interior scoring opportunities.