The AIS have begun the 2011/12 WNBL season with a loss to the Sydney Uni Flames, 61-79.

The Flames were led on the scoreboard by import Amy Denson who recorded 23 points, but it was the play of their two high-profile recruits, who showed their immediate worth, that was the most impressive.

Belinda Snell made a triumphant return to the league by pouring in 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists, while Alicia Poto added ten assists and five steals in the win.

For the AIS, Olivia Thompson top-scored with 18 points and a team equal-high of nine rebounds, while Alex Bunton added 14 points and Rebecca Cole dished out six assists to go with her 13 points.

The AIS started the game well, playing with good teamwork, however the overwhelming experience advantage kept the Flames slightly ahead for all of the first half. After leading by seven points at quarter time, the Flames extended their advantage slightly to lead 37-29 at halftime.

Despite the rebound count remaining relatively close for the entire contest, the Flames went to the free-throw line 28 times to 10, and after a third consecutive quarter of hanging in with the Flames, turnovers from the AIS began to mount and Sydney Uni ran away with a 79-61 victory.

Box Score
Sydney Uni Flames 79 (Amy Denson 23, Belinda Snell 21, Katie-Rae Ebzery 15) defeated AIS 61 (Olivia Thompson 18, Alex Bunton 14, Rebecca Cole 13)