Geelong Venom nearly stun WNBL powerhouse

The Geelong Venom may have fallen just short in a 97-94 overtime thriller against the Sydney Flames, but their fight, flair and rising star power continue to turn heads across the WNBL.

At Quaycentre on Wednesday night, the Venom controlled the contest for almost four quarters, leading at every change and looking on track for a breakthrough win over one of the league’s heavyweight clubs.

Centre Mackenzie Holmes was immense, posting 28 points at 65 per cent and pulling down 10 rebounds in a performance that matched it with the competition’s best. Elissa Brett was equally electric from outside the arc, drilling six three-pointers from seven attempts in a sharp-shooting display that yielded 21 points.

Jaz Shelley played a key two-way role, helping keep Flames star Lauren Nicholson scoreless until late in the third quarter while tallying 12 points and seven assists herself.

Geelong pushed 10 points clear midway through the fourth quarter before Sydney stormed home with a 13-2 run. Nicholson, blanketed early, caught fire late with 19 points in the final period and overtime.

Lilly Rotunno briefly put the Venom back in front, and Holmes extended the margin to three with 12 seconds to go. But a contested triple from Sydney import Unique Thompson forced extra time — and ultimately broke Geelong’s resistance.

Head coach Chris Lucas said the group showed its growth, despite a frustrating finish.

“We’ve lost five games by seven points or less now,” he said.

“I’m pretty disappointed because we fought all game and had control.

“The last 15 minutes of play were so undisciplined, particularly from our senior players, which they’re aware of.”

Still, the signs are there. The Venom are competing hard in every game and building chemistry with every round. Their style is fearless, and their talent is emerging.

Geelong returns to home court on Saturday 7 December for a 12.30pm tip-off against the UC Capitals — a chance to turn another close contest into a statement win.

Grab your tickets for next home game here – geelongvenom.wnbl.com.au