American Alissa Pili has made a triumphant return to Geelong’s starting five, guiding the Venom to a 105-77 defeat of the Sydney Flames.
Having sustained an ankle injury in round one before suffering an illness that put her out for a couple more weeks, the Los Angeles Sparks import made her first WNBL start since December 20 at RAC Arena on Friday.
Pili worked the floor, making 28 points and seven assists, while compatriot and MVP contender Mackenzie Holmes also grabbed 28 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.
Although coach Chris Lucas has already said finals are out of reach for Geelong (5-14), the side does have the same number of wins as second-last Adelaide Lightning.
The Venom’s victory dealt a huge blow to Sydney’s finals hopes, with the Flames (6-14) one win shy of the fourth- and fifth-placed Southside Melbourne Flyers (7-9) and UC Capitals (7-9).
But the Flames remain a mathematical chance of sneaking into the finals.
Venom captain Jaz Shelley (12 points, seven assists, four steals) produced the moment of the match when she shot the ball from way outside the three-point circle, and it crept into the net as the halftime buzzer rang.
It’s the second time Shelley has scored a screamer on the buzzer this month after downing a bucket from the halfway line against Townsville Fire on January 6.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Geelong. After Holmes powered the Venom to a 16-4 early run, Sydney replied with a 17-4 spurt to lead by one at quarter-time.
Both teams traded baskets in the second quarter, before Pili stepped up, pocketing 19 points to help Geelong open up a 54-48 advantage at the main break.
But the Venom’s dominance of the paint, laced with slick ball movement, ballooned their lead to 25 points at three-quarter time, and the Flames couldn’t cut into the deficit.
Geelong also recorded the highest number of assists by a team this season, registering 33 for the match.
