Triple threat: George, Rocci, Peters fire Flyers

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Southside Melbourne Flyers 113 points is the most scored in WNBL26. The Sydney Flames were on the receiving end at home, losing 113-94 at Qudos Bank Arena.

Southside moved into fourth on the ladder at 6-8 with a better points differential against the UC Capitals, also 6-8.

After a tight opening period (26–19 Southside), the Flyers seized control in the second quarter with a dominant 34–24 run, stretching the margin to 17 by halftime. From there, Southside never relinquished control, matching Sydney score-for-score in the second half while repeatedly answering any Flames push with high-percentage offence.

The difference was efficiency and balance. Southside shot an outstanding 76% on two-point attempts and finished with 32 assists on 38 made field goals, carving up Sydney’s defence in the half court. Five Flyers reached double figures, led by Cayla George (23 points, 5 assists), Maddy Rocci (20 points, 9 assists), and Haley Peters (21 points on 8-of-10 shooting). Isabelle Bourne and Tera Reed provided further interior and transition damage as the Flyers’ biggest lead grew to 26.

Sydney competed offensively but couldn’t keep pace defensively. Lauren Nicholson led the Flames with 21 points, while Keely Froling (16 points, 5 assists) and Unique Thompson (18 points) were productive inside. However, Sydney struggled to contain Southside’s ball movement and paint scoring, conceding 76 points on two-pointers and spending just 1:41 in the lead all night.

Key Details

• Result: Southside Melbourne Flyers 113 def. Sydney Flames 94
• When: Monday, 30th December 2025
• Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
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By the Numbers

• Cayla George (Southside Melbourne Flyers) starred with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 30 minutes.
• Lauren Nicholson (Sydney Flames) scored 21 points, and had two rebounds and two assists in 32 minutes.

What Happened

The Flyers established early control, leading 26-19 after the first quarter before extending their advantage to 60-43 at halftime. Their dominant second quarter, outscoring the Flames 34-24, proved decisive in building an insurmountable lead.

Melbourne's offensive efficiency was the story of the night, shooting an exceptional 76% from the field (38-from-50) compared to Sydney's solid 55% (21-from-38). The Flyers' ability to convert inside was particularly impressive, as they dominated points in the paint 66-40, showcasing their superior interior presence throughout the contest.

Cayla George led the charge with an outstanding performance, shooting 5-from-8 from two-point range and connecting on four triples from six attempts beyond the arc. Her 66.67% shooting from downtown complemented her all-around contribution of five rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Maddy Rocci orchestrated the offense masterfully with 20 points and nine dimes, while Haley Peters added 21 points on efficient 8-from-10 shooting from two-point range.

The Flames struggled to match Melbourne's intensity despite Lauren Nicholson's team-high 21 points on perfect shooting from the charity stripe. Unique Thompson contributed 18 points and seven boards, while Keely Froling added 16 points and five assists, but their efforts couldn't overcome the Flyers' balanced attack that saw five players reach double figures.

Melbourne's defensive pressure forced 11 turnovers while committing just 10 themselves, creating additional scoring opportunities that they converted into 13 points off turnovers. The Flyers' bench also contributed significantly with 26 points, demonstrating their depth advantage over Sydney's 16 bench points.