Cayla George Breaks WNBL Record as Perth Lynx Suffer Defeat

Cayla George has made history as the all-time leader in rebounds in the WNBL, although her remarkable efforts were not enough to stop the Sydney Flames from falling 82-66 to the Bendigo Spirit in Round 4.

The Flames’ newest recruit, also a WNBA champion with Las Vegas Aces, pulled down an impressive eight rebounds in just the first quarter of Saturday’s match and finished with a total of 13, also adding 14 points to her impressive performance.

George’s last board of the game marked her 3230th WNBL career rebound, surpassing three-time Olympian Rachael Sporn as the most prolific player for this statistic since the league’s formation in 1981.

The reigning WNBL MVP is currently ranked fifth for rebounds in the league this season, boasting an average of 8.6 per game from four starts.

The Bendigo Spirit secured their first victory of the season at home by leveraging a 28-9 third quarter against the Flames, with Alicia Froling and Casey Samuels amassing 17 points and seven rebounds each from the bench.

Firepower Tess Madgen made her Flames club debut after overcoming knee soreness that delayed her start to the season, finishing with five rebounds and seven points from three out of 10 field-goal attempts.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Boomers emerged as the only unbeaten team in the WNBL after defeating the last-placed Canberra Capitals in overtime by six points.

Keely Froling’s outstanding performance included 17 points and 14 rebounds, leveling the game at 76 with a lay-up in the final seconds and ultimately contributing to the Boomers’ 87-81 win.

American recruit Naz Hillmon also shone with 33 points and 13 boards as the Boomers improved to a 5-0 record.

Unfortunately, the previously undefeated Perth Lynx suffered consecutive losses in Round 4, squandering double-digit leads in both games.

Perth’s early lead against Southside Flyers was erased as Lauren Jackson’s side rallied in the third quarter, resulting in a 94-92 win for the Flyers.

On the other hand, reigning champions the Townsville Fire achieved an impressive comeback in the second half to claim a 92-76 victory against the Lynx, with Zitina Aokusko leading the charge with 18 points and eight rebounds.