Bourne ready for Flyers' WNBL26 finals challenge

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Isabelle Bourne dismissed any extra motivation as she poured in an equal game-high 23 points to lead the Southside Melbourne Flyers to a 77-64 win against her former club Adelaide Lightning in the last WNBL26 regular season game for both clubs on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

"I always go into every game wanting to win," Bourne said.

"I’m a competitive person, but I don’t feel like I have any bad blood towards Adelaide. I had a great time there and still have friends from the team and the club.

"I don’t necessarily feel extra motivation against them. It’s probably pretty much the same as every other game, just wanting to win.

"I’m feeling pretty good at the moment.

"I’ve been wanting to get my game more consistent overall. I think the last couple of games I’ve found some rhythm, and I’m hoping to take that into finals and continue it with the team.

"I think a lot of us are in pretty good form right now, so I’m hoping we can continue that momentum."

Key Details

• Result: Southside Melbourne Flyers 77 def. Adelaide Lightning 64
• When: Sunday, 8th February 2026
• Where: SA State Basketball Centre, Adelaide
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Isabelle Bourne (Southside Melbourne Flyers) starred with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal in 35 minutes.
• Sania Feagin (Adelaide Lightning) scored 23 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals in 33 minutes.

What Happened

The Flyers established early control and never relinquished their advantage, leading for over 37 minutes of the contest. Their superior shooting efficiency proved the difference as they connected on 51.61% of their field goal attempts compared to Adelaide's poor 39.62%. The visitors' balanced offensive attack was evident throughout, with four players reaching double figures in what proved to be a full team effort.

Bourne was outstanding for the Flyers, shooting an efficient 8-from-15 from the field including 3-from-6 from deep. Her dominant performance in the paint, combined with solid rebounding, anchored Melbourne's victory. Cayla George provided exceptional support on the boards, hauling in 16 rebounds to go with her eight points, while Haley Peters contributed 14 points on stellar 7-from-10 shooting from two-point range.

For Adelaide, captain Steph Talbot battled hard with 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, but her shooting struggles from beyond the arc epitomised the Lightning's difficulties. The home side managed just 6-from-32 from three-point range, a dismal 18.75% that severely hampered their offensive rhythm. Feagin matched Bourne's 23-point output but needed 23 shots to do so.

The Flyers' defensive intensity was a key factor, forcing Adelaide into tough shots while dominating the glass with a 54-44 rebounding advantage. Melbourne's rim protection was solid with eight blocks compared to Adelaide's four, limiting the Lightning's second-chance opportunities. The visitors also capitalised on turnovers, converting Adelaide's mistakes into 26 points in the paint.

Defensively, both teams showed discipline with 19 turnovers apiece, but Melbourne's ability to convert those opportunities into quality scoring chances proved decisive. The Flyers' bench contributed 14 points compared to Adelaide's 10, highlighting the depth that proved crucial in securing this comprehensive road victory.