The GIANTS have fallen 71-64 to the Firebirds at Nissan Arena, with the contest defined by a clear tale of two halves.
A composed, confident opening saw the GIANTS produce their strongest first half of the season, settling quickly despite the Firebirds’ fast start, with Hope White and Amy Sligar providing clean supply through the midcourt and capitalising on early defensive wins.
Inside the circle, Matisse Letherbarrow and Sophie Dwyer were in formidable touch, combining for nine super shots across the opening two terms, six each by halftime.
The GIANTS’ long‑range accuracy helped them absorb several Firebirds runs, including a strong patch from Te Paea Selby‑Ricket and the introduction of Elsa Sif Sandholt late in the second quarter. Even as momentum swung, the visitors steadied repeatedly, pushing out to a game‑high five‑goal lead before taking a 39-33 advantage into the main break.
But the momentum flipped after halftime.
The Firebirds lifted their defensive intensity, with Kelly Jackson and Ruby Bakewell‑Doran disrupting the GIANTS’, forcing a run of penalties and unforced turnovers. Although the GIANTS briefly stretched their lead to seven in the third term, the home side’s pressure and super shots from Selby‑Ricket and Sandholt, dragged the margin back. A flurry of late Firebirds goals saw the gap reduced to just one at the final break.
A bruising final quarter followed. Jackson again proved pivotal, collecting crucial gains to swing momentum, while Selby‑Ricket continued her Player of the Match performance with clutch shooting and 20 goal assists. The Firebirds pushed out to a four‑goal buffer inside the Power Five, and despite another long‑range strike from Dwyer to keep the GIANTS in touch, the home side closed strongly to seal the seven‑goal win.
The GIANTS now return home to Ken Rosewall Arena, where they will host the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Saturday.
