Big-time players step up in big-time games. Check the definition of “big-time player” in Webster’s dictionary – Kia Nurse should show up.
#WNBL20 CHAMPIONS.
The UC Capitals have gone back-to-back, winning their ninth WNBL Championship at AIS Arena after defeating the Southside Flyers 71-68.Thank you, Canberra – we love this city. #GoBIG pic.twitter.com/BzD8aRjlIy
— UC Capitals (@UCCapitals) March 4, 2020
Forever grateful. Ran it back to back! #wentBIGagain pic.twitter.com/mC4RGGbLaN
— Kia Nurse (@KayNurse11) March 4, 2020
Nurse proved that once again as the WNBL season came to a close this month. With the Canberra Capitals on the verge of a second consecutive league championship, Nurse made one of the most clutch shots of her career.
With less than 30 seconds remaining, Kelsey Griffin passed to Nurse off a steal and her 3-pointer from the top of the key put Canberra ahead 70-68 en route to a 71-68 win and a second consecutive WNBL crown.
The morning after the night before 🙌🏽
The @UCCapitals taking out the front and back pages of today’s @canberratimes with four pages inside. #WNBL20 pic.twitter.com/dsq16CuqzV
— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) March 4, 2020
Congratulations to the @UCCapitals on their championship success last night, a truly great team that represents an incredible organisation.
It hurts this morning Flyers Family but dont you worry: we’ll be back soaring even HIGHER in #WNBL21!🐦💙 #WeAreSouthside #WatchUsSoar pic.twitter.com/7RbOi9KulB
— Southside Flyers (@SouthsideFlyers) March 5, 2020
Canberra already won the first game of the best-of-three 82-80 over Southside. The second win sealed the championship for the Capitals.
Nurse finished with 18 points. Marianna Tolo finished with a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Olivia Epoupa scored 16 points.
The Flyers’ Rebecca Cole led all scorers with 23 points. Mercedes Russell tallied a double-double of her own with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sara Blicavs added 12 points and nine boards and Leilani Mitchell contributed 11 points.
At one point, the Flyers led by as many as 16 and appeared poised to send the WNBL Grand Final to a series-deciding Game 3. Canberra ensured that no rubber match would be necessary by rallying back to claim the franchise’s ninth championship.
Canadian women’s basketball fans had to be looking on with glee as did the New York Liberty’s Lib Loyals hoping Nurse can duplicate her success in Australia with either/or Canada’s national team or in Brooklyn.
