The Capitals have suffered their first loss of the season but it was a performance that proved Canberra have what it takes to be a genuine WNBL title contender.
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The Capitals' two-game unbeaten streak was snapped by championship favourites Townsville Fire in a 76-65 defeat at Townsville Stadium on Friday night.
The two sides were tipped to finish at opposite ends of the league ladder but Canberra's outing suggests they certainly won't be easy-beats this season.
Townsville celebrated Cayla George's 200th WNBL game in style - largely thanks to a Suzy Batkovic masterclass (20 points, 12 rebounds).
The visitors held the lead at the main break but were overrun late in the contest, with Canberra captain Natalie Hurst (13 points, six assists) and young gun Lauren Scherf (13 points, eight rebounds) leading the fight.
The Capitals have little time to lick their wounds - they will complete a hectic road trip with a flight home on Saturday to begin preparations for a clash with the Melbourne Boomers on Sunday.
Capitals coach Paul Goriss will be desperate to ensure his side maintains an unbeaten record at the National Convention Centre when Liz Cambage and the Boomers come to town.
AT A GLANCE
WNBL: TOWNSVILLE FIRE 76 (Suzy Batkovic 20, Cayla George 14, Laurin Mincy 13) bt CANBERRA CAPITALS 65 (Natalie Hurst 13, Lauren Scherf 13, Abigail Wehrung 9) at Townsville Stadium.
WNBL ROUND TWO
Sunday: Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at National Convention Centre. Tip-off at 3pm.
