Rockingham Flames back in business with 41-point smashing of Perth Redbacks

Rockingham Flames have snapped their six-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, taking down the Perth Redbacks by 41 points at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Saturday. The Flames are celebrating their 30th anniversary and had plenty to prove stepping on to the court against the Redbacks at home. They were red hot straight out of the gates, scoring 29 points to a slower-paced Redbacks’ 14 and building a solid 15-point lead heading into the second quarter. The Flames continued to dominate their attacking plays in the second, producing another 21 points to 14 to lead 50-28 at the half-time break. Momentum continued for the Flames in the third quarter, putting up another 18 points while the Redbacks continued to trail with 14 points and a margin of 26 points heading into the final term. The Flames put on a show for their home crowd in the fourth quarter, scoring a game-high 33 points to the Redbacks’ 18 to drive home an impressive final score of 101-60. Mehryn Kraker put up 30 points and five assists for Rockingham, with fellow import Patty Brossmann adding 21 points and nine boards. Christina Boag delivered 13 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Paris Duffield played her first game since June 18 and hit four three-pointers for 12 points. Mikayla Pirini scored 17 points for the Redbacks. The result improves Rockingham to a 9-10 record for the season, while the Redbacks are now 5-13 with games next weekend away to the Warwick Senators and at home to the Goldfields Giants. Round 18 will see Lakeside Lightning host the Flames at Lakeside Recreation Centre on August 12.