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Jan
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Feagin strikes for Lightning to grab sixth win
Sania Feagin of the Lightning in action during the round 15 WNBL match between Geelong Venom and Adelaide Lightning at Geelong Arena on January 24, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. Photo: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Highlights
Adelaide Lightning climb off the bottom of the ladder after a comeback win in Geelong
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Match Recap
Adelaide Lightning 85 defeated Geelong Venom 78 at Geelong Arena in front of 1,161 fans. Sania Feagin’s dominant 28-point outing proved decisive in a clash with 18 lead changes, keeping Adelaide in the WNBL playoff hunt.
Key Details
- Result: Adelaide Lightning 85 def. Geelong Venom 78
- When: 24th of January, 2026
- Where: Geelong Arena, Victoria
- Attendance: 1,161
- WNBL Standings
By the Numbers
- Sania Feagin (Adelaide Lightning) starred with 28 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal in 31 minutes.
- Mackenzie Holmes (Geelong Venom) led her side with 23 points, nine boards, four assists, three steals, and a block in 35 minutes.
What Happened
Adelaide Lightning and Geelong Venom traded blows from tip-off, setting the tone for a fiercely contested WNBL fixture. Geelong jumped out early, closing the first quarter up by eight, thanks to a strong start from Jazmin Shelley. However, Adelaide responded in the second, fuelled by Sania Feagin’s relentless attacks in the paint and Steph Talbot’s playmaking, to take a narrow 46-44 lead into the half.
The third quarter saw momentum shift repeatedly, with neither side able to establish dominance. Mackenzie Holmes kept Geelong in the contest, scoring efficiently inside, while Dallas Loughridge hit timely triples for Adelaide. A late run from Geelong, capped by a Shelley three-pointer, saw them edge ahead 65-62 heading into the fourth.
The decisive moment arrived early in the final term. Sania Feagin exploded for eight quick points, including a powerful and-one finish at the 7:12 mark, swinging the lead back to Adelaide. Steph Talbot then took control, orchestrating a key 8-0 Lightning run with two assists and a putback, stretching Adelaide’s advantage to double digits with just under four minutes remaining. Despite a clutch triple from Shelley at 2:18 that cut the deficit to six, Geelong’s offence faltered down the stretch, scoring a dismal nine points in the final period.
Sania Feagin’s outstanding 66.7% shooting (12-from-18 from the field) anchored Adelaide’s attack, while Steph Talbot delivered a masterful all-round effort with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and seven dimes. Jazmin Shelley tried to rally Geelong with 21 points and four steals, but the Venom struggled against Adelaide’s stifling Defence in crunch time.
Adelaide’s superior shooting proved the difference. The Lightning connected on a superb 60.98% from the field and a solid 50% from deep (10-from-20), compared to Geelong’s 45.6% overall and lacklustre 27.6% from outside. On the glass, Adelaide cleaned the glass for a 39-34 rebounding edge, with Talbot’s 11 boards key.
Turnovers nearly cost the Lightning, as they coughed up the ball 18 times to Geelong’s nine, but their efficiency and ability to execute in the key moments, especially in the fourth, sealed the win.
With this result, Adelaide Lightning strengthen their finals credentials, while Geelong Venom’s playoff ambitions take a hit.
