Nail-biting. Nerve-wracking. Hard-work. Those words best describe last night’s game. Overjoyed. That’s the feeling with which the entire Flames squad drove back home from Crawley in the foggy late night. As if we had been crowned WNBA champions! It was definitely a toughie. But, winning sure felt good!

From the beginning of the game both teams showed they were not giving away any easy baskets. Both the Flames and the Lightning displayed strong defensive strategies. The Flames opted for man-to-man and the Lightning for zone. With dedication and focus both teams made offensive plays a bit of a mission for the opponent, resulting on very low first quarter scores, 5-6.

The second quarter brought more of the same: Strong defense and ineffective attacks. It is not so much that either team was lacking in offensive skills but instead that both teams made defense their tactic. Fighting tooth and nail both teams held their ground, which resulted on a 19-all tie at halftime.  

The Flames’ enthusiasm and hard work continued in the third quarter. But, a couple of unforced turnovers allowed the Lightning to push the lead to 35-31.

The Flames erased the 4 point deficit on the very last second of the fourth quarter, thanks to Zsuzsanna scoring her free throw, which tied the game (52-52), forcing it into overtime.

If the Flames have Zsuzsanna’s free throw to thank for the fourth quarter tie, they also have Maria to thank for her overtime winning free throw. The Lightning had a last chance to win the game with possession of the ball and 15 seconds remaining on the clock. But, true to the spirit of this game, the Flames defended hard and clean, not fouling the Lightning (which was key as the Flames like the Lightning were on team fouls), stealing the ball, and taking home the win (55-56)!

Phew! It was a constant adrenaline rush. Not for the faint of heart for sure. But, it made the road trip worth it! The Flames remain undefeated in 2014.

MVP(s) of the Game: Maria and Zsuzsanna – for their decisive free throws!

Special Mention of the Game: The Flames squad. Everyone played a vital role in last night’s win. Everyone kept their heads cool and the focus on the game. Everyone persevered and fought to the very last second. Everyone led by example. EVERYONE deserves a special mention!

What’s the best way to start the year? With a win. And that is precisely what the Flames did. Seems that the Flames did not overindulge at Christmas since the first match of the season was a comfortable win. Taking advantage of their speed, the Flames won the first game of 2014 thanks mostly to innumerable fast breaks. The Flames dominated the game on every quarter and on every aspect (1Q 16:15 | 2Q 34:28 | 3Q 52:42 |4Q 69:56). That being said, the Flames should have scored a lot more buckets than they did. Converting opportunities is something the Flames continue to struggle with at times. Also, defensively, there were times when the Flames could have been a lot stronger. But, hey, a win is a win! After losing the last game of 2013, this win has no doubt been restorative!

MVP of the Game: First things first, this was a very difficult decision as there were plenty candidates! However, due to her impressive 10 points, her octopus-like arms (so many steals!), her rebounds, and assistances; Monday night’s MVP is Zsuzsanna!

Special Mention of the Game: Liz – with 18 points (highest scorer of the game!) and her general attitude towards the game, Liz played an integral part on Monday night’s win.