In a game which featured plenty of body-on-body contact at John Cain Arena, it was the Mavericks who held firm to claim a 73-61 win.
Despite the loss, the game was a memorable one for Melbourne-born defensive midcourter Maddi Ridley.
The 22-year-old was introduced at the start of the second half to make her SSN debut and become Firebird No.113 in a special moment.
Playing for the first time since the departure of Head Coach Bec Bulley in midweek, the Firebirds held their own in the opening minutes with both teams going goal-for-goal.
Gabi Sinclair hit a couple of Suncorp Super Shots in the opening Power Five but Donnell Wallam replied with a two-pointer of her own before a spectacular tip and no-look pass by Remi Kamo to regain possession ensured the Firebirds were down by just one at the end of the opening quarter.
The Firebirds would go on to hit the front for the first time early in the second quarter as the match see-sawed between the hosts and visitors.
Ruby Bakewell-Doran’s inspirational intercept restored the Birdies lead and the visitors were up by two heading into the Power Five but two more Suncorp Super Shots by Sinclair had the hosts up by four at the main break.
The Mavericks came out firing in the second half, winning the third quarter 19-12 to take a stranglehold on the game.
From there the Firebirds battled bravely but couldn’t close the gap, with another Sinclair Super Shot on the buzzer pushing the margin out to 12.
The Firebirds head home next week with the West Coast Fever coming to Brisbane.
All Firebirds home games for the 2024 season are now on sale via Ticketek and every Firebirds match is also live and on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
