Cayla George dominates as Flyers hold fourth

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Australian Opals veteran Cayla George knew the stakes and rose to the occasion, leading the Southside Melbourne Flyers to a crucial WNBL26 82-77 win against the Adelaide Lightning at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

George finished with a monster 21-point and 14-rebound double double to send the Flyers (9-12) clear of the UC Capitals (8-12) in fourth.

Key Details

• Result: Southside Melbourne Flyers 82 def. Adelaide Lightning 77
• When: Friday, 31st January 2026
• Where: VIC State Basketball Centre, Victoria
• Attendance: 1,854
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers) starred with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists in 37 minutes and 30 seconds
• Dallas Loughridge (Adelaide Lightning) scored 20 points, and had five rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes and 39 seconds

What Happened

The Flyers established an early advantage, leading 17-20 after the first quarter before extending their buffer to 42-38 at half-time. Adelaide fought back in the third period, outscoring Melbourne 24-13 to take a 62-55 lead heading into the final quarter. The fourth quarter proved decisive as the Flyers mounted a superb comeback, outscoring the Lightning 27-15 to secure the thrilling five-point victory.

The game featured exceptional back-and-forth action with 26 lead changes throughout the contest. Melbourne's biggest lead reached six points, while Adelaide managed a seven-point advantage during their third-quarter surge. Both teams traded momentum shifts in a contest that lived up to its billing as a genuine WNBL thriller.

George's masterful performance anchored the Flyers' victory, shooting an efficient 8-from-17 from the field, including 4-from-9 from downtown. Her dominance on the boards, collecting four offensive rebounds among her 14 total, provided crucial second-chance opportunities for Melbourne. Maddy Rocci contributed 13 points and nine assists, while Isabelle Bourne added 13 points on outstanding 6-from-7 shooting from two-point range.

For Adelaide, Loughridge led the scoring charge but struggled with efficiency, connecting on just 6-from-16 from the field. Sharne Robati provided solid support with 17 points on impressive 7-from-10 shooting, including perfect 2-from-2 from beyond the arc. Steph Talbot managed just five points but contributed seven rebounds and four assists in her leadership role.

The Flyers' superior shooting proved the difference in this tight encounter. Melbourne shot 56.76% from the field compared to Adelaide's 51.22%, while both teams struggled from three-point range. The Flyers connected on 10-from-27 triples (37.04%) while the Lightning managed 9-from-25 (36%). Melbourne's dominance in the paint was evident, outscoring Adelaide 42-38 in points inside the key, while the Lightning managed just five second-chance points compared to Melbourne's 11.

Defensively, both teams applied pressure with eight steals each, but the Flyers' rim protection proved more effective with five blocks to Adelaide's five. The turnover battle remained even at 14 apiece, though Melbourne converted these opportunities more efficiently, scoring 17 points off turnovers compared to Adelaide's five.

This victory strengthens Melbourne's position in the WNBL standings, while Adelaide must regroup after letting slip a seven-point third-quarter lead. The Lightning's inability to maintain their momentum in the crucial final period ultimately cost them in what was an entertaining contest at VIC State Basketball Centre.