The Queensland Firebirds once again proved they can win from any situation, after surviving a third-quarter fightback from the Adelaide Thunderbirds to win Sunday’s clash by 10 goals.
More than 2700 supporters chose to celebrate their Easter Sunday watching the Firebirds at Nissan Arena and the home side’s 60-50 victory gave them plenty to cheer about.
It is a ‘ruthless mindset’ adopted by the team that is said to be the catalyst behind their current winning-form – which has them sitting one game clear in third spot on the ladder.
“I think we have shown ourselves, most importantly, that we can match it with any of the teams in the competition,” Head coach Megan Anderson said post-match.
“(there were) a couple of wonky results over the week, so it just goes to show that anybody can beat anybody on their day. So, learning to win ugly like that is really important.”
“Knowing that when it is a grind and when things aren’t exactly going our way, we can still knuckle down and get the job done.
“So that was probably one of the most pleasing things from tonight. It has not been our strength over the past 12 months or so, so that is something that has really improved from us.”
Sunday win, the Firebirds’ third of the season, saw them cap off a demanding week for the entire competition which saw them forced to play three games in seven days – including a trip to Sydney.
Yet despite the tight turnarounds and tough schedule, the Firebirds showed they still had plenty in the tank as they managed to fight off the Thunderbirds and run out the match strongly.
Anderson was full of praise for her team on and off the court.
“The fact that they ran out those three games pretty convincingly, we didn’t quite get there against the Fever, but to start a three-game week against the Fever and finish with two wins is pretty impressive,” she said.
“I can’t say much more about the S and C (Strength and conditioning) people that have created this beautifully fit and strong team.
“I think it is just a credit to them that we are doing so well at the moment.”
The Firebirds will return to Nissan Arena next Sunday to take on the Collingwood Magpies.
