12
Dec
Snap Recap
Melbourne sinks further southside of top four
Jade Melbourne and Sara Blicavs of the Capitals celebrate during the round nine WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Southside Flyers at AIS Arena on December 12, 2025 in Canberra. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images
UC Capitals dominate Southside 97–71 behind Aokuso, Blicavs and elite ball movement at AIS Arena.
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The UC Capitals produced one of their most complete performances of the WNBL season, overpowering the Southside Flyers 97–71 at AIS Arena behind a blistering first quarter and a decisive final surge.
Canberra solidified fourth spot on the ladder, moving to 5-6 while the Flyers remain fifth at 3-7.
Canberra erupted for 34 points in the opening period, immediately seizing control, and closed with a commanding 27–12 fourth quarter to put the result beyond doubt. They led for more than 36 minutes, their biggest advantage stretching to 26 points.
Capitals standout performers
- Zitina Aokuso was unstoppable, finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists on 8–10 shooting and a perfect night from deep and the line (1–1 3PT, 3–3 FT).
- Sara Blicavs torched Southside from outside, hitting 6 threes on her way to 22 points.
- Jade Melbourne orchestrated the offence brilliantly with 11 assists, adding 10 points and 5 rebounds in under 20 minutes.
- Nicole Munger (12 pts) and Jayda Clark (12 pts, 4 rebs, 4 ast) provided strong bench lifts.
- Canberra’s balance was elite: six players scored 9+ points, and the team shot 57% on 2s and 48% from three.
Flyers unable to keep pace
Southside remained competitive for stretches, even briefly leading by five, but couldn’t match Canberra’s firepower or ball movement.
- Maddi Rocci kept the Flyers afloat with a standout 24-point, 8-assist night despite the heavy defensive attention.
- Tera Reed (10 pts) and Cayla George (11 pts) contributed, but turnovers (17) and defensive lapses in transition were costly.
- The Flyers were out-rebounded 36–32, out-assisted 25–16, and struggled at the free-throw line (58%).
Stat-Story of the Game
Canberra owns the glass, controls tempo, bench overwhelms and Flyers collapse after halftime.
- P1: Canberra wins 34–23, powered by paint scoring and extra possessions.
- P2: Flyers hang in, but their scoring dries up (17 points).
- P3: Capitals’ bench explodes (14 PFB), extending the lead.
- P4: A 27–12 knockout quarter seals a 26-point victory.
Summary
The UC Capitals looked every bit a contender, combining elite ball movement, shooting, and depth in a game they controlled from start to finish. The Flyers showed fight through Rocci’s brilliance but were ultimately overwhelmed by Canberra’s relentless offensive rhythm.
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