Australian Opals squad member Stephanie Talbot put the Canberra Capitals Academy on her back, guiding them to their first win of the SEABL season against Hobart on Saturday night. Talbot took advantage after opposite number Mikaela Ruef exited through injury after just two minutes in the 79-61 win, racking up 30 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, six steals and 4-5 three-pointers.
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Not even 24 points and 12 rebounds from Launceston's Amy Wilson could stop Canberra, which won every quarter.
Capitals skipper Sarah McAppion was also influential with 10 points and five assists. Canberra Capitals WNBL veteran Jess Bibby confirmed she has aborted her decision to play for the Capitals Academy this year after two games. She said it is part of Talbot's development to relish her role as the team's dominant player after being a standout for Canberra in the WNBL last season.
"That's her job to do that," Bibby said. "She's a great athlete who can put the ball on the floor and put the ball on the rim, once she can develop a jumper and a three, she's your prototypical international 'two' man."
The Canberra Gunners beat North West Tasmania 82-81 thanks to a clutch two-pointer from captain Daniel Jackson with just five seconds left. Import Nnaebuka Anyaorah led with way with 26 points and 16 assists, while NBL veteran Ben Allen (14 points, 10 rebounds) also registered a double-double.
