'What might have been': Pili pours in 19 points in Q2

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WNBA forward Alissa Pili was almost unstoppable, scoring 19 points in the second quarter, on her way to dropped 28 on the Sydney Flames as Geelong Venom blew out the WNBL26 HoopsFest clash 105-77 in Perth on Friday, January 16, 2026.

The 24-year-old American, who played at the Los Angeles Sparks last season, started for the first time since December 20, has played just four games for the Venom this season after suffering an ankle injury against the Flames back in October.

Pili, who went 6-from-7 and 6-of-6 at the free throw in the second quarter, combined with Mackenzie Holmes to score 56 points. Holmes' 28 12-from-19 from the field to go with 15 rebounds to dominate the Flames frontcourt.

"It felt really good," Pili said.

"Most of all, it just felt good for our team, like to win, and just to feel like we’re having fun and playing together out there. It feels good to be back.

"I’ve been looking forward to it ever since I got hurt and then other things happened.

"(Holmes) comes out aggressive every time. We need that from her, and I really like that about her. And we all just kind of followed it.

"Everybody started being aggressive and just playing smart basketball. There were some times where I would have the ball and Kenzie would yell at me to go and take it to the basket. So she kind of helped me be more aggressive and more confident in going to score and being confident in doing that, because it’s been a while, so I could be a little passive at times.

"Today was the first time I actually felt like I was playing my game and being aggressive."

The Venom now 5-13 have been crushed by injuries this season. They started without star guard Shyla Heal (knee), Pili (ankle) was injured early and Gemma Potter (knee) hasn't played since November 21, 2025.

"Happy for the team," head coach Chris Lucas said.

"It’s been a grind this year, and we had a really good training week, and that transferred into the game.

"I wasn’t happy how much we’d given up at half time, but to hold them to, I think, 29 in the second half is a pretty good effort.

"We have two different players in the supporting cast also getting points. It felt like every time the ball went in, we had to take it off the top of the scoreboard.

"Oh, it was nice to have Pili on the floor. I’m sure she feels the same way. She’s only played, up until today, 23 minutes for the whole year, and she gives us another scoring avenue, which builds confidence with other players. So, always thought it was gonna be a great combination, but the reality is it hasn’t worked out that way.

"But really pleased with the whole team, to be quite honest."

Sydney are now a game outside of the top 4 at 6-14 but UC Capitals (7-9) and Southside Melbourne Flyers (7-9) have four games in hand.

Key Details

• Result: Geelong Venom 105 def. Sydney Flames 77
• When: Thursday, 16th January 2026, 7:00 PM AEDT
• Where: RAC Arena, Perth
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Alissa Pili (Geelong Venom) starred with 28 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.
• Keely Froling (Sydney Flames) scored 14 points, and had seven rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes.

What Happened

The Venom established their dominance early but faced initial resistance from the Flames, who managed to edge the opening quarter 21-20. However, Geelong's offensive firepower began to show in the second period, outscoring Sydney 34-27 to take a 54-48 halftime advantage. The third quarter proved decisive as the Venom exploded for 35 points while limiting the Flames to just 17, building an insurmountable 89-65 lead heading into the final period.

Alissa Pili was outstanding throughout, shooting an efficient 8-from-10 from two-point range and connecting on two triples. Her ability to score from multiple levels kept the Flames' defence guessing, while her seven dimes showcased her complete offensive skill set. Mackenzie Holmes provided the perfect complement in the paint, dominating the boards with 15 rebounds while converting 12-from-19 field goal attempts. The duo's combined 80% shooting from two-point range highlighted their exceptional efficiency.

Sydney struggled to match Geelong's offensive rhythm, shooting a disappointing 38.1% from the field compared to the Venom's solid 56.6%. The Flames' three-point shooting proved particularly problematic, managing just 8-from-26 from downtown at 30.77%. Keely Froling battled hard with 14 points and seven boards, while Unique Thompson added 12 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, but their efforts weren't enough to prevent the blowout.

The Venom's balanced attack was evident in their superior ball movement, recording 33 assists compared to Sydney's 17. Jazmin Shelley contributed 12 points and seven assists, while Shyla Heal added 12 points of her own. The home side's dominance in the paint was overwhelming, outscoring the Flames 56-28 in close-range scoring. Their superior rebounding effort, cleaning the glass 46-39, provided extra possessions that proved crucial in the victory.