By Charlie McKay
The Melbourne Mavericks have snapped a four-loss streak, downing Queensland Firebirds 65-54 in a bottom-of-the-table clash at Nissan Arena on Sunday evening.
The result lifts the Mavs to sixth place while the Firebirds remain cellar dwellers, still searching for their first victory since Round 2.
It was a Mavericks demolition early.
The visitors were suffocating in defence, while a rattled Firebirds outfit coughed up 10 turnovers in a scrappy opening term.
Midcourt duo Molly Jovic and Amy Parmenter were instrumental, disrupting play and pouncing on loose ball to spark repeat attacking opportunities.
The Mavs stormed to a commanding 20–9 lead at the first break, leaving the Firebirds with a mountain to climb.
Firebirds have highest turnover count in the comp.But the tables turned in the second quarter.
The Firebirds charged out of the break after a spray from head coach Kiri Wills, finding a new intensity and igniting the home crowd with a spirited fightback.
Emily Moore brought a much-needed spark in attack, while a full-court defensive effort starved the Mavs of possession.
A flurry of super shots from Abigail Latu-Meafou helped slash the margin, though the Mavs clung to a narrow 34-31 lead at the main break.
The Firebirds couldn't build on their momentum though, scoring just nine goals again in a swingy third term that saw the Mavericks push ahead.
The visitors extended their lead to 48–40 heading into the final quarter, setting themselves up for a strong finish.
The Firebirds threatened early in the final term, chipping away at the margin before the Mavericks surged ahead to secure an 11-goal lead, shutting the door on a comeback.
Veteran shooter Shimona Jok was unstoppable under the post, earning MVP honours with 60 goals at 97 per cent.
In contrast, shooting volume proved costly for the Firebirds, with 201cm target Mary Cholhok limited to just 22 goals at 76 per cent.
The Mavericks also lifted defensively, tightening up their structures and lowering their penalty count to keep momentum on their side.
They’ll now return home to face the Swifts, while the Firebirds are set to meet an in-form GIANTS outfit.
