By Andrew Benson
Basketball

The Canberra Capitals scored one of the most important wins they are likely to have this season, with a 54-53 win over Adelaide Lightning at Southern Cross Stadium yesterday.

Going into the game with a 1-3 record since the forced rest of Lauren Jackson with stress fractures, the Capitals proved they can match it with the best teams in the league.

Despite former captain Karen Smith making a short comeback to help the Capitals on the boards. Canberra still missed Jackson's rebounding presence - outboarded 45-35.

Playing with more hunger than they have all season, they were impressive when running the court, even if the final shooting option wasn't always perfect.

The most impressive feature though, was the Capitals' defence as they shut down the inside game of the taller Adelaide players.

Kate Cohen (2) and Jo Hill (16) especially, forced Adelaide into several offensive fouls in the final quarter. Kristen Veal (17) and Hill led the way on the score sheet for the Capitals, with Veal making crucial baskets towards the end of the game. Capitals coach Carrie Graf said the win was crucial, as the Capitals await the return of Jackson from her enforced lay-off.

"When we get out and run a bit it opens up the game a bit for us but to run we have to be able to rebound," Graf said.

"When we don't get clean defensive rebounds, we don't get the quick pass and we don't get the cheeky fast break baskets we get when Lauren is playing."

Adelaide led by as much as nine in the third quarter, before the Capitals came back at them to trail by four at the final break.

Scoring was difficult in the start of the last quarter as both sides stepped up defensive intensity, but Adelaide was the first to score taking the margin to six.

The Canberra reply started with a Veal clutch three and a fast break score, giving the home side momentum to take the lead in the dying minutes.