Jade polishes Caps' last win of tough season

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Jade Melbourne’s double-double set the tone as UC Capitals controlled the game from the outset, closing out a 76–67 win over Geelong Venom at AIS Arena on Saturday, February 7, 2026 – the last game of WNBL26 for both clubs out of the finals.

Washington Mystics point guard Melbourne finished with 10 points and 11 assists in nearly 37 minutes, dictating tempo and keeping the Capitals organised through long defensive stretches. Her ability to manage possessions and consistently put teammates in scoring positions allowed UC to absorb pressure without losing structure, particularly during a second-half stretch where Geelong looked to force the pace.

Nyadiew Puoch provided the primary scoring punch, leading all players with 17 points. Her efficiency inside the arc and willingness to step into open threes stretched the Venom defence and created separation during the middle quarters. Jayda Clark added 16 points, attacking closeouts and converting from the line to punish defensive lapses.

Captain Zitina Aokuso anchored the interior, posting a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double with six assists. Her presence on the glass and ability to facilitate from the post gave UC a reliable outlet whenever the offence stalled.

Geelong stayed within reach behind Shyla Heal and Mackenzie Holmes, but UC’s leaders maintained control. With Melbourne orchestrating, Puoch and Clark providing scoring, and Aokuso stabilising inside, the Capitals spent more than 32 minutes in front and closed out a composed, player-led nine-point win in front of 3,848 fans.

Key Details

• Result: UC Capitals 76 def. Geelong Venom 67
• When: Saturday, 7th February 2026
• Where: AIS Arena, Canberra
• Attendance: 3,848
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By the Numbers

• Nyadiew Puoch (UC Capitals) starred with 17 points and four steals in 28 minutes.
• Shyla Heal (Geelong Venom) scored 15 points, and had five rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes.

What Happened

The UC Capitals established early control and maintained their advantage throughout most of the contest, leading for over 32 minutes compared to Geelong's brief five minutes and 44 seconds in front. The Capitals' superior field goal efficiency proved decisive, as they shot an outstanding 68% from the field while holding the Venom to exactly 50%.

Nyadiew Puoch spearheaded the Capitals' offensive charge with a stellar 17-point display, converting 4-from-6 two-pointers and an impressive 3-from-7 from downtown. Jayda Clark provided excellent support with 16 points on efficient 4-from-6 shooting from inside the arc, while also contributing three assists and a block. The Capitals' balanced scoring attack featured five players reaching double figures, with Jade Melbourne orchestrating the offense superbly, dishing out 11 assists alongside 10 points.

The rebounding battle favoured Geelong 37-30, but the Capitals' ball movement and shot selection more than compensated for this deficit. Melbourne's exceptional court vision created numerous scoring opportunities, while captain Zitina Aokuso anchored the frontcourt with 10 points and 11 rebounds in a dominant double-double performance.

For the Venom, Shyla Heal and Mackenzie Holmes each contributed 15 points, with Holmes adding 11 boards for her own double-double. However, Geelong struggled to control the ball, turning it over 19 times compared to the Capitals' 11. This turnover differential allowed UC Capitals to generate 28 points from turnovers, significantly outpacing Geelong's 15.

The Capitals' defensive intensity was evident in their nine steals, with Puoch leading the charge by collecting four. Their ability to convert turnovers into easy scoring opportunities, combined with their exceptional two-point shooting percentage of 68%, created a buffer that Geelong couldn't overcome despite their superior free-throw shooting at 92%.