Jamaica’s Latanya Wilson produced another standout performance and was named Player of the Match as reigning champions Adelaide Thunderbirds returned to winning ways with a tidy 65-58 victory over the Queensland Firebirds at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

Wilson was a commanding force in the Thunderbirds’ defence, as she racked up seven gains, three intercepts, and seven deflections by halftime alone to disrupt the Firebirds’ attacking flow throughout the contest. Her efforts proved pivotal in halting her team's skid and pushed them provisionally into fourth place on 20 points.

While Wilson dominated the defensive end, fellow Jamaican Romelda Aiken-George led the Thunderbirds’ offensive charge with a clinical shooting display, as she netted 50 goals from 53 attempts. She was ably supported by Georgie Horjus, who contributed four from five in the circle and three from five in super shots, while Lauren Frew chipped in with three from three in the circle and also sank her lone super shot attempt.

The Firebirds, who remain seventh on eight points, found attacking rhythm at times through Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok, who tallied 27 goals from 33 attempts. Abigail Latu-Meafou offered a near-perfect shooting performance with 10 from 10 in the circle and six from seven in super shots, while Emily Moore added nine from 11.

Adelaide Thunderbirds celebrate. (Photos: Getty Images)

Both teams started the contest with inconsistent passages, but the Thunderbirds struck first before the Firebirds mounted a quick run to lead 7-5. Wilson’s presence was quickly felt as she forced key turnovers that allowed the Thunderbirds to close the first quarter up 17-15.

In the second, the Firebirds applied pressure through midcourt and capitalised on six turnovers from the Thunderbirds’ Hannah Petty. Wilson, however, remained defiant in defence with back-to-back intercepts that prompted Firebirds coach Kiri Wills to declare, "No more balls to Latanya!"

Despite a Firebirds surge early in the third, which saw them take a two-goal lead and win the quarter to trim the margin to one, the Thunderbirds responded with resilience. A strong start to the final term, including a four-goal run and clutch plays from Petty, swung momentum back the Thunderbirds' way.

Although Queensland stayed within striking distance through Cholhok and Latu-Meafou, their rhythm faltered after Moore replaced Cholhok late in the match. Aiken-George remained composed under the post and sealed the win with key goals down the stretch.