Second-quarter surge lifts Capitals past Lightning

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UC Capitals' quest for fourth and a WNBL26 Finals berth is well and truly on after they went on the road and claimed a gritty 67-61 win against the Adelaide Lightning in Round 14 on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Caps are 8-10, a half-game behind fourth placed Southside Melbourne Flyers 8-9.

Adelaide stayed competitive through effort, rebounding, and late scoring, but UC Capitals’ paint control, bench scoring, and second-quarter separation defined the result. The Capitals shot more efficiently where it mattered most and controlled game tempo for the majority of the night.

Key Details

• Result: UC Capitals 67 def. Adelaide Lightning 61
• When: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
• Where: SA State Basketball Centre, Adelaide
• Standings

UC Capitals led for 36:14 of game time and built their advantage primarily in the second quarter, where they outscored Adelaide 21–13 to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The Caps dominated the Lightning in the paint and off the bench.

By the Numbers

• Q1: Adelaide 11 – UC Capitals 15
• Q2: Adelaide 13 – UC Capitals 21
• Q3: Adelaide 17 – UC Capitals 16
• Q4: Adelaide 20 – UC Capitals 15

• Points in the Paint:
  • Adelaide: 20
  • UC Capitals: 40
• Bench Points:
  • Adelaide: 9
  • UC Capitals: 17

Adelaide Lightning

• Steph Talbot: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 threes, 37:44 minutes
• Charlotte Whittaker: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 75% on two-point attempts
• Dallas Loughridge: 11 points, 5 assists

UC Capitals

• Isabella Brancatisano: 15 points on 6/9 shooting, 80% from two
• Nyadiew Puoch: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 10 FT attempts
• Zitina Aokuso: 9 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
• Jayda Clark: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists off the bench

What Happened

The Capitals controlled the tempo from the opening tip, establishing an early 15-11 advantage after the first quarter. Their balanced offensive attack and superior paint presence proved decisive as they extended their lead to 36-24 at halftime, outscoring the Lightning 21-13 in the second period.

Adelaide responded with renewed energy in the third quarter, cutting into the deficit with a 17-16 scoring edge. However, the Capitals maintained their composure and held a 52-41 advantage entering the final period, setting up a tense finish.

The Lightning mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, outscoring UC Capitals 20-15, but fell short of completing the rally. Charlotte Whittaker's efficient 9-from-4 shooting performance and Sania Feagin's solid eight-point, six-rebound contribution weren't enough to overcome the early deficit.

Isabella Brancatisano's outstanding 80% field goal shooting (4-from-5 from two-point range) anchored the Capitals' offensive efficiency. Her ability to convert crucial baskets in traffic proved instrumental in maintaining the visitors' advantage throughout the contest. Nyadiew Puoch provided excellent support with 13 points and six boards, while Zitina Aokuso contributed nine points, eight rebounds and six assists in a masterful floor general display.

The Capitals' superior shooting accuracy proved decisive, converting 52% from the field compared to Adelaide's 40%. UC Capitals dominated the paint battle, scoring 40 points inside compared to the Lightning's 20, while their bench contributed 17 points to Adelaide's nine. The visitors also capitalised on fast break opportunities, outscoring the home side seven to two in transition points.