Match Report: Sydney Comets Women 81 – 84 Hills Hornets Women

National Women’s Basketball League1 East | Saturday, 9 May 2026 | Venue: Sydney Comets Sports Centre

In a thrilling NBL1 East showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, the Hills Hornets Women edged past the Sydney Comets Women 84–81 in a contest defined by momentum swings and clutch execution. The narrow three-point margin reflected the intensity of a game where neither side gave an inch until the final possessions.

Match Overview

The Hornets arrived at Sydney looking to build on a strong mid-season run, while the Comets aimed to protect home court and climb the standings. From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets, with neither able to establish a double-digit lead. The first half was a tightly contested affair, but Hills managed to take a slender 44–42 advantage into the break thanks to sharp shooting from beyond the arc.

After halftime, Sydney came out with renewed energy, pushing the pace in transition and forcing turnovers. A 10–2 run early in the third quarter gave the Comets a 54–49 lead, their largest of the night. However, Hills responded with composure, leaning on their veteran guard play to cut the deficit before the final period.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Sydney’s defensive pressure sparked a run that briefly gave them control, but Hills weathered the storm with timely three-pointers.
• Fourth-quarter clutch: With the score tied at 76–76 and under three minutes left, the Hornets’ offense went to work. A driving lay-up and a mid-range jumper on consecutive possessions put them ahead 80–76.
• Final defensive stop: Sydney had a chance to tie the game in the last 10 seconds, but a contested three-point attempt rimmed out, sealing the Hornets’ road victory.

Player of the Game

Hills Hornets guard Sarah Thompson delivered an all-around performance, finishing with a game-high 24 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Her ability to create her own shot in the half-court and knock down key free throws down the stretch proved decisive. For Sydney, forward Mia Chen was the standout with 22 points and 10 rebounds, leading a spirited home effort.

Table Implications

The victory lifts the Hills Hornets to a 10–4 record in the NBL1 East, keeping them firmly in playoff contention. Sydney Comets, now 8–6, remain in the top six but will need to address their inconsistency in close games to make a deep postseason run. With several key divisional matchups ahead, every result matters in a crowded mid-table race.

Next up, Hills return home to face the Canberra Nationals, while Sydney travel to take on the Newcastle Falcons. Both teams will be eager to build on lessons learned from this hard-fought battle.