Ellis powers red-hot Fire to victory over Lynx

An Abbey Ellis masterclass has guided defending champion, the Fire, to a convincing 101-73 win over Perth, in Game 1 of the TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off.

At the Murray Sports Complex, Australian Opal Ellis contributed 34 points (on 86 per cent shooting from the field), 7 triples, 3 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Joining Ellis in double-figures for the Fire were Courtney Woods (13 points as well as 8 boards and 8 dimes), Alicia Froling (12) and Lauren Jensen (10), as all three Fire players got their names on the scoresheet.

Read more >> TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off: Schedule, tickets & how to watch

In the defeat, Lynx skipper Alex Ciabattoni top-scored with 12, as Brooke Malone (11) and Teige Morrell (10) were also solid.

In the pre-season fixture, the Fire started the stronger, racing out to a 31-19 lead at the first change.

That lead quickly ballooned to 30 by half-time, with the Fire outscoring their rivals 28-10 for the term.

The Lynx hit back in the third, winning it 27-23 but the damage was done and the Fire ran out winners by 28 points, thanks to a 19-17 final period.

Defending Tip Off champions Townsville next play Sydney on Sunday, while Perth will look to rebound against Southside Melbourne on Friday.

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