Jamaicans Romelda Aiken-George and Latanya Wilson and the Adelaide Thunderbirds kept their dream of a historic three-peat alive, as the reigning two-time champions edged Sunshine Coast Lightning 59–55 in a high-stakes thriller at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

With their season on the line, the Thunderbirds rose to the occasion, powered by a dominant display from Aiken-George, who netted 43 goals from 54 attempts. She was ably supported by Lauren Frew, who converted 12 from 12 in the circle and chipped in with a two-pointer from the supershot zone. Georgie Horjus added two more goals to help seal the win.

The result sees the Thunderbirds climb to third on 32 points, which ensures them a spot in next week’s finals series, with the potential to host the minor semi-final depending on the outcome of Sunday’s clash between leaders West Coast Fever and Melbourne Vixens.

It was a gritty, see-saw contest filled with intensity from the first whistle, as both teams jostled for control. Lightning, who entered the match with equal urgency, drew first blood and carried a 15-13 lead into the first break behind the sharp shooting of Cara Koenen, who finished with 29 from 30, complemented by four flawless supershots.

Lightning extended their lead early in the second quarter, but that sparked a resurgence from the Thunderbirds. Matilda Garrett was immense in defence, as she recorded six gains, four intercepts, and seven deflections to wrest back momentum. Sanmarie Visser’s introduction at wing defence helped contain Lightning mid-court ace Liz Watson, while skipper Hannah Petty’s composure helped the home side flip the script, as the Thunderbirds took a 32-25 lead into halftime.

Wilson, known for her disruptive defensive pressure and game awareness, played a key role in stifling Lightning’s attacking flow, particularly during the Thunderbirds’ surge through the middle quarters.

The Thunderbirds kept their foot on the gas in the third, as they were cohesive across all thirds to maintain pressure. Aiken-George remained the focal point in the shooting circle, as she towered over defenders and converted under pressure. 

Having swelled their lead to 47-38 heading into the final quarter, the Thunderbirds just needed to avoid unforced errors to close out the contest, and that they did, though Lightning mounted a late charge. Fueled by consecutive supershots from Koenen and Reilley Batcheldor, the Lightning briefly cut the lead to five, and tension gripped the vocal home crowd, especially after a crucial turnover gave the Lightning a sniff at narrowing the lead to one.

However, the Thunderbirds steadied things in the dying moments to close out the win and keep their title hopes very much alive, while Lightning bowed out of the competition, but not without heart.

Elsewhere, fellow Jamaican Shimona Jok gave a strong individual showing for the Melbourne Mavericks, but her 40 goals from 42 attempts were not enough to stave off a 59-74 loss to the Giants in their season-ender.

The Mavericks, who finished seventh on 16 points, were unable to contain a red-hot Giants side led by Jo Harten (26 goals and seven supershots) and Sophie Dwyer (28 from 29 and three supershots). Sasha Glasgow added 13 for the Mavericks, while Uneeq Palavi had one goal.

The Giants, who closed out the season in sixth with 20 points, were missing injured Jamaican defender Jodi-Ann Ward but still ended their campaign on a high.