'Bourne Ultimatum': Flyers' Isabelle answers top 4 call

• 2025-26 WNBL Team Lists and Roster Tracker
• Latest News: Read more about the WNBL here.
• Latest WNBL Scores and Schedule here

Southside Melbourne big Isabelle Bourne was near flawless – 9-from-10 from the field – as Flyers crushed UC Capitals finals hopes 82-75 at AIS Arena on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in Canberra.

The Round 16 clash was the game to decide whether the Flyers or Caps would make the WNBL26 Finals.

"It was nice to see our team really dig deep in the second half and really focus on the defensive end," Flyers head coach Kristi Harrower said.

"That is something I have been asking for in those types of games – to find the toughness within our group, play together, and help each other defensively.

"I thought we did that. It has not been the easiest season, trying to find consistency, but there is definitely a smile on our faces after that win.

"It was nice to get it done in a game that stands out, so we can assess where the team is heading into this finals campaign.

"We have some people who are a little bit beat up, and you have to decide whether you rest them or try to keep momentum heading into finals.

"Adelaide is going to be tough in Adelaide on their home floor. It is not just a case of flying over there and getting a win.

"They nearly beat us at home the other day. We will go home and see what the best situation is with some of our players.

"As you saw, Nia hurt her ankle and Roxy is a little bit beat up, so we will make those decisions later in the week."

Bourne, 25, finished with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists and was +12 in 32 minutes.

"It was great," Bourne said.

"At the end of the day, the best thing about it is getting the win. We really wanted that one and we knew it was going to be tough.

Canberra played really hard. Going into finals with a win like that is really important for us.

We still probably could be better in some areas, but it was a pretty solid game heading into finals, and I am just glad we were able to do that."

Australian Opals and Flyers veteran Cayla George was outstanding on both sides of the ball notching another double-double with 10 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks whole holding Australian teammate and Caps captain Zitina Aokuso to just eight points on 2-from-13 from the field.

"They (Cayla's performance) are always huge," Harrower added.

"Those efforts set the tone for the team. I gave her a shout-out after the game for holding Z to 2-of-13 shooting while still coming up with 15 rebounds.

"That is a huge game from Cayla today. That is the way we need to be all the time. When you start getting older it gets harder, but that was a massive game from her."

Capitals head coach Paul Goriss claimed Aokuso didn't get the whistles she deserved.

"When someone like Z, who I think is the best back-to-the-basket big in the league, gets five free throws – four or five free throws – I do not know what more she can do," Goriss said.

"When people are shoving her in the back, holding and grabbing her from behind, and she only gets five free throws, it is ridiculous to me.

"That was the difference. She just could not get a fair go. When you are being pushed with two hands in the back and held, and there is nothing on the back end of it, I do not know what more she can do. I really do not.

"I have asked for clarification and I literally get the same story each week."

The top four teams are set but there is still the possibility of movement in the last round this weekend.

"At the moment we are guessing we might be playing Townsville, but if Bendigo beats them that could change things," Harrower added.

"We have matched up well against Townsville in the last two games we played against them. We beat them in the first game and were not very good in the second.

"We have played them four times this season if that is who we end up playing. We have not played very well against Perth at all, and Bendigo have been right there as well. A lot of people talk about how anyone can win it this year because anybody can beat anybody on any given night, and that has shown even with teams in the bottom half of the ladder.

"It is about getting the game plan right, but with the top teams you have to do it for 40 minutes and try to steal one on their home court."

Meanwhile, Goriss is focused on finishing fifth.

"To finish fifth, we need to beat Geelong," he said.

"Geelong have come on really well on the back end of the season because they are fully fit now.

"Pili is definitely a hell of a player and has helped them since she came back into the lineup. We know how good Heal, Holmes and Shelley are.

"It is not going to be an easy game. They are playing some really good basketball now that they have everyone fit and healthy, so it is going to be a dogfight.

"We are glad it is at home in front of our fans, because they are the best."

Key Details

• Result: Southside Melbourne Flyers 82 def. UC Capitals 75
• When: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
• Where: AIS Arena, Canberra
• Attendance: 3,255
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Isabelle Bourne (Southside Melbourne Flyers) starred with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 32 minutes.
• Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals) scored 23 points and had 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 29 minutes.

What Happened

The Capitals established early control, leading 26-20 after the first period before the Flyers responded with their most dominant quarter of the contest. Southside Melbourne outscored UC 24-18 in the second period to level the scores at halftime 44-44. The third quarter remained tight with both teams managing 20 and 16 points respectively, leaving the Flyers ahead 64-60 entering the final period. The visitors closed out strongly, matching the Capitals' 18 points in the fourth quarter to secure the seven-point victory.

Isabelle Bourne was exceptional for the Flyers, shooting an outstanding 9-from-10 from inside the arc while contributing efficiently across the board. Her dominance in the paint helped Southside Melbourne establish a 48-24 advantage in points in the paint, a decisive factor in their victory. Cayla George provided solid support with 10 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, cleaning the glass effectively for the visitors.

For the Capitals, Jade Melbourne led the scoring with 23 points but struggled with his efficiency, connecting on just 3-from-7 two-point attempts. Nicole Munger contributed 17 points with impressive shooting from deep, converting 5-from-9 triples to keep UC competitive throughout the contest. However, the home side's poor shooting from inside the arc proved costly.

The Flyers' superior field goal shooting was the determining factor in this encounter. Southside Melbourne shot an impressive 54.55% from the field compared to the Capitals' disappointing 34.21%. The visitors also dominated the rebounding battle 40-36, with their defensive boards limiting UC's second-chance opportunities. Both teams struggled to control the ball with 16 and 14 turnovers respectively.

This victory strengthens Southside Melbourne's position in the WNBL standings, while the Capitals will need to improve their offensive efficiency if they hope to climb the ladder. The seven-point margin flattered UC, who trailed by as many as 12 points during the contest before mounting late resistance.