7,681 fans packed into John Cain Arena to see Southside Flyers take on Sydney Flames tonight, setting a new WNBL attendance record.
The crowd breaks the previous record of 7,500 set in the 1995 grand final between Adelaide Lightning and Melbourne Tigers.
The game was marred however by an injury to Opal’s legend Lauren Jackson who was forced to leave the game barely a minute into the historic WNBL clash with what is believed to be an Achilles injury.
The record-setting achievement was made possible by ardent supporter of women’s basketball Gerry Ryan OAM who moved the game to the larger venue to put his team on the bigger stage.
“The quality of women’s basketball in this country is outstanding, we know how much our fans love the games and we wanted to extend it to a bigger audience. I appreciate the support of the Victorian Government and Melbourne Olympic Parks who are great supporters of women’s sport and have made tonight possible,” said Ryan.
Despite the loss of Jackson, the crowd would not be disappointed as the Flames won a thriller 68-67.
With scores tied at 67-67 deep in the match, Tiana Mangakahia scored a free throw to give the Flames a one-point lead with 4 seconds remaining.
Mangakahia scored a game-high 26 points, while Maddi Rocci led for the hosts with 19 points.
Jackson, 41, limped to the sideline early in the contest with a lower leg injury, reappearing on the bench with crutches. Jackson never left the sidelines however, supported teammates before making herself available to fans and media post-game.
“I’m really delighted to see so many fans come out tonight, I’m only sorry that I couldn’t be out there on the court making an impact. It was so inspiring to see a full arena, a special thank you to my family, Gerry and the Flyers fans for coming out tonight,” said Jackson.
Jackson came into the game with a broken bone in her foot that she had carried since a December 8 match against Perth and tried to see the funny side when questioned by the media.
“I don’t feel great but it is what it is. I’m on borrowed time, anyway.” she joked to reporters.
Jackson will have scans on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury.