Dufelmeier Powers Capitals to Victory Over Hawks

The Canberra Capitals defeated the Illawarra Hawks 64-54 on Saturday at Belconnen Basketball Stadium. The Capitals were led by Bianca Dufelmeier's game-high 18 points, including four triples on 11 attempts from outside. Canberra dominated the glass, pulling down 52 boards compared to Illawarra's 51, with Callie Bourne grabbing 10 rebounds. The home side built a commanding 15-point lead at one stage and spent nearly 38 minutes in front. Their bench provided a spark with 20 points, while their defence held Illawarra to just 27 percent shooting from the field. The Hawks struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout, connecting on just three of 13 attempts from beyond the arc. Ella Dent led Illawarra with 11 points and was perfect from the charity stripe, hitting all four of her free throws. Lauren Calver contributed across the stat sheet with six points, 11 rebounds and two steals, but the visitors couldn't overcome 15 turnovers while generating just six assists. **CANBERRA CAPITALS 64 (Bianca Dufelmeier 18, Lizzy Tonks 11, Claudea Waihape Andrews 8).** **ILLAWARRA HAWKS 54 (Ella Dent 11, Georgia Ohrdorf 10, Courtney Jardine 9).**