United look to turn up the heat against Flames

GEELONG United will be looking to put their past hiccup against the Sydney Flames behind them tomorrow (December 14) when they face off inside Geelong Arena.

United and the Flames faced off only a fortnight ago in the harbour city, with Geelong going down by a whopping 35-points.

Captain Keely Froling and US-import guard Haley Jones will need to lead from the front again and continue their strong form if United are to come up victors.

Last weekend. the WNBL’s newest expansion side hit their stride, recording a ten-point victory over the Adelaide Lightning (69-59).

The win marked United’s second win from two clashes with the Lightning on the season.

Haley Jones was dominant on both sides of the floor, dropping 13 points and collecting 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Keely Froling chipped in with 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Jazz Shelley, Hannah Hank and Gemma Potter all consistently performed throughout the four quarters.

Star AFLW player Monique Conti also swapped her football boots for sneakers and appeared in her first game for the season.

United head coach Chris Lucas said he was very pleased with his side’s performance after what had been a tough week.

“The girl’s approach into this game was exactly what I was looking for, a response to the last match.

“Defensively, we thought if they scored 90-95, we were in a bit of strife, so to hold them to 30 below that was terrific.

“They [Adelaide] are a super a talented side. Two current Opals, two veteran WNBA players and soon to be three future Opals. On paper they are the best team in their starting five.

“To come up with that performance against a very talented team with our young squad made be very pleased.”

Tomorrow evening’s opponents in Sydney are 3-4 on the season and will be looking to even their win-loss ledger.

United will need to keep a watchful eye on Flames talls Shaneice Swain and Cayla George who are both averaging over 16 points a game.

The match kicks off at 7:30pm inside Geelong Arena.