Manuela Overdrive: Puoch powers Flyers past Lightning

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Teen talent Manuela Puoch has given the Southside Melbourne Flyers the "spark" they needed to close within one game of the fourth and final playoff spot after an 85-72 win over the Adelaide Lightning at the Victoria State Basketball Centre.

The 19-year-old had 15 points off the bench, including 2-from-4 from the three-point line, and was the catalyst for a third-quarter run which allowed the Flyers to pull away from the visitors.

Flyers coach Kristi Harrower praised Puoch as well as Makenna Marissa for their impact off the bench in the team's fifth win of the season.

"Manny coming off the bench today and Makenna coming off the bench today gave us that spark, and I think they both did a great job for us coming off the bench," she said in the post-game press conference.

The result means Southside are now just within one win of the fourth-placed UC Capitals, who are struggling especially without injured stars Jade Melbourne and Sara Blicavs.

"It was a really important win for us. I think with that bottom patch of the ladder, it's every win that you get now is really important but I think we've been thereabouts, we have moments in the game where we aren't pretty and stuff like that, but I think thought we dug deep today," Harrower said.

"Our defence was solid but I think the game wasn't super pretty. I think there was a lot of fouls and probably not a flow for both teams but it's always nice to to get a win and come into media and be happy.

"You got to try and win all your games at home if you can. We go to Sydney tomorrow and play them on Tuesday and that's not a shoe-in, they're flying with Renee (Garlepp) at the moment.

"It's really important that we enjoy this win but then focus on what's ahead and that's Tuesday going up to Sydney and trying to get the job done up there."

Match Recap

Southside Melbourne Flyers defeated Adelaide Lightning 85-72 at VIC State Basketball Centre. Maddy Rocci's impressive 17-point, 10-assist double-double powered the dominant home victory.

Key Details

• Result: Southside Melbourne Flyers 85 def. Adelaide Lightning 72
• When: Saturday, 28th December 2025
• Where: VIC State Basketball Centre, Melbourne
• Attendance: 2,047
• Standings: WNBL Standings

By the Numbers

• Maddy Rocci (Southside Melbourne Flyers) starred with 17 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and one steal in 39 minutes.
• Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning) scored 24 points, and had three rebounds, four assists and one steal in 40 minutes.

What Happened

The Flyers established an early foundation, taking an 18-15 lead after the opening period before the Lightning responded with a strong second quarter to level the score 23-23. At halftime, Southside Melbourne held a narrow 41-38 advantage, setting up an intriguing second half battle.

The third quarter proved pivotal as the Flyers began to assert their dominance. Outscoring Adelaide 17-15 in the period, they extended their lead to 58-53 entering the final quarter. The home side's superior ball movement and offensive efficiency became increasingly apparent as the game progressed.

Southside Melbourne exploded in the fourth quarter, delivering a masterful 27-19 scoring run to seal the comprehensive 13-point victory. Their balanced offensive attack and defensive intensity overwhelmed the Lightning, who struggled to contain multiple scoring threats throughout the final period.

Maddy Rocci orchestrated the Flyers' offensive success with exceptional court vision and scoring ability. Her outstanding 17-point, 10-assist double-double performance showcased her complete skill set, shooting an efficient 4-from-9 from the field while converting nine free throws from 14 attempts. Rocci's leadership and playmaking were instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.

Supporting Rocci's stellar performance, Manuela Puoch contributed a valuable 15 points off the bench, shooting an impressive 3-from-4 from the field and 2-from-4 from downtown. Isabelle Bourne added 14 points with solid 3-from-7 field goal shooting, while Haley Peters chipped in 13 points on efficient 4-from-7 shooting. The Flyers' balanced scoring attack featured four players reaching double digits, demonstrating their depth and offensive versatility.

For Adelaide, captain Steph Talbot led the scoring effort with 24 points, shooting 5-from-9 from the field and converting 11 free throws. Despite her individual excellence, the Lightning struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm throughout the contest. Tayla Brazel provided solid support with 13 points, including three successful triples from six attempts, while Dallas Loughridge and Sania Feagin each contributed 11 points in the losing effort.

The Flyers' superior shooting efficiency proved decisive in the victory. They connected on an outstanding 59.46% of their field goal attempts (22-from-37) compared to Adelaide's solid 50% (20-from-40). While both teams struggled from beyond the arc – Southside Melbourne shooting 23.08% (6-from-26) and Adelaide 26.32% (5-from-19) – the Flyers' dominance from the charity stripe and inside the paint made the difference.

Southside Melbourne's control of the boards was another crucial factor, out-rebounding Adelaide 44-33. The Flyers secured 17 offensive rebounds compared to the Lightning's 10, creating numerous second-chance scoring opportunities that extended possessions and demoralised their opponents.