The Brisbane Capitals QBL men’s and women’s teams have returned home to NAB Stadium, Auchenflower after a month on the road but couldn’t deliver a win.

The Capitals, without their player/coach, WNBL star Kristen Veal who is in Australian Opals camp preparing for the 2013 Oceania Series against New Zealand started off extremely well against the visiting Townsville Flames who themselves boast a handful of WNBL players.

Scores were tied at 18 points each at the first break and only 2 points separated them at the half. However a lapse in concentration saw the Capitals only manage 8 points in the third quarter while the visitors poured in 25 points.

The Capitals added just a further 13 points in the last as the Flames ran away with the 91 – 61 win.

The loss now leaves the Capitals with a 10 – 5 record and remains in third position on the overall QBL ladder, however if the Flames defeat the Wizards tonight, they will leapfrog the Capitals into third.

The result doesn’t change the in-pool ladder with the Capitals still expected to host the elimination final in two weeks, but are awaiting discussion and confirmation from Basketball Queensland.

Guards Sarah Davis and Heidi Freeburn once again lead the way with 14 and 10 points respectively.

The Brisbane Capitals men’s team were still on a high after knocking off league leaders Rockhampton Rockets in Rockhampton last week but that was old news now.

The Townsville Heat is considered by many to be the best assembled group of players in the league and last night’s 2-point loss just proves how close the competition actually is.

Import Drew Eisinger got the Capitals off to a flying start scoring their first 7 points however recently appointed Australian Representative Mitch Norton was up to the challenge with 6 of his own in the first quarter.

The game was a tight affair throughout and with less then a minute to go in the game, Chris Cedar from the visitors was clutch in nailing back to back baskets to seal the 78 – 76 road win for the Heat.

Like their women counterparts the men’s win/loss record is identical at 10 – 5 and are in a tight battle for the top position in the pool with Northside Wizards who host the Heat tonight.

For the Capitals, Dusty Rychart led all scorers with 23 points with Eisinger adding 16 points and 6 assists and Ryan Jeffries chipping in 12 points and 8 rebounds.

“They are definitely the best team in the league,” head coach Geoff Tarrant said of the Townsville Heat.

“To lose by 2 points to these guys isn’t something to hang our heads on, just shows that we’re not that far off especially after last week’s win in Rocky also,” he concluded.

The Capitals QBL teams host the Bundaberg Bears and Bulls next Sunday at 10am and 12pm at NAB Stadium, Auchenflower in the last round of the regular season before the playoffs arrive.

One way or another, your Capitals will feature in QBL post-season action, it’s just a matter of whether it will be at home or on the road.

Come and enjoy a Sunday morning breaky with us next week at NAB Stadium, Auchenflower!

For more information: joe@basketballqld.net.au or 0403 734 508