By Mark Halliday

Norwood Flames 77 | Central Districts Lions 52

The Norwood Flames have taken an easy win over the winless Central Districts Lions as they raced out to an early lead and never looked back in their 77-52 win at Mars on Saturday night.

The Flames weren't challenged and the game was almost over as quick as it had begun.

An 11-0 run by Norwood to open the game established who was in control as the home side asserted its dominance over the bottom of the table Lions.

Norwood's full court defence had great success in disrupting the visitors, resulting in a number of turnovers that led to easy opportunities for the Flames. The home side's half-court defence was also on point as they prevented the Lions from scoring for the first 4:20 of the game.

All of Norwood's starters contributed in the one-sided first quarter and the lead increased to 21 points as the bench made their mark on the game towards the end of the first quarter.

Centrals put in a valiant effort to match the defending champions in the second quarter and even managed to outscore the Flames in the final 10 minutes, but a 22-11 third quarter in favour of Norwood in addition to the first was too much for the Lions to overcome.

Norwood's Chelsea Roberts was the game's top scorer with 15 points, including 3-6 from three. Marisa Stabile (12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals) was one rebound short of a double-double. Cara Annetts also scored 12 in the win.

The Lions were led by Alisha Carlin who finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Danielle Greaves (10 points, 4 rebounds) was the only other player to score in double digits.

Round 16: Saturday, 9 July at 6:30pm

Central Districts Lions v North Adelaide Rockets

Norwood Flames v Eastern Mavericks