There was no revenge for the NSW Swifts in the grand final rematch as the Queensland Firebirds eased to a 62-53 win in Brisbane.
A seven-goal surge in the second quarter gave the hosts a 28-21 lead, which the Swifts chased in vain for the rest of the match.
Stand-off: Maddy Turner of the Swifts and Romelda Aiken compete for the ball.Credit: Getty Images
The Firebirds' Jamaican goal shooter Romelda Aiken led the way, shooting 44 from 56, and was well assisted by Gretel Tippet (18 from 23), who also had a game- leading nine turnovers.
The Swifts' own Caribbean sharp shooter, Sam Wallace of Trinidad, made 48 from 55 shots at the other end.
The Firebirds won their second straight ANZ Championship title last July with a double overtime victory over the Swifts, though only seven players from the 2016 grand final were in action at the sold-out Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Both teams came into the fourth-round fixture with a win and a draw to their name but the Firebirds now move to second on the ladder ahead of the Sunshine Coast, who play unbeaten leaders the Giants on Saturday night.
AAP