AS THREE three-pointers started raining at the wrong end, it would have been easy for the Canberra Capitals to tighten up and let another last-quarter lead slip.


But gun forward Abby Bishop (27 points, 12 rebounds) said the Caps had learnt from Friday night's loss to hold on and beat arch-rival Sydney Uni Flames 84-77 at Brydens Stadium on Saturday. The Capitals started brilliantly and led for most of the night, but let it slip early in the final quarter.


They dug deep, thanks largely to a stunning final term from veteran guard Jess Bibby (17 points), and held on, despite Flames Alicia Poto and Lauren King combining for three clutch three-pointers in the dying seconds.


Canberra were in a similar situation against ladder-leading Bendigo on Friday night, but couldn't hold on for the win, going down by three.


AT A GLANCE


Canberra 84 (Bishop 27, Bibby 17) bt Sydney Uni (Poto 18, Cox 18, King 13).


At Brydens Stadium, Sydney. Crowd: 420.