CANBERRA, Australia (Interstat) — Centre of Excellence held off a late surge by Canb. Nationals to win 80-79 on Friday in Australia NBL One women’s professional basketball action.

Zara Russell led Centre of Excellence with 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Aspen Crase added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Jasmine Jones chipped in 13 points and four assists off the bench. Jemyma Manyok contributed 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks.

Callie Bourne paced Canb. Nationals with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Caitlyn Jones dished eight assists to go with 14 points. Allison Day scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Zara Funnell added 15 points.

Centre of Excellence improved to 11-4, while Canb. Nationals dropped to 4-9. The victory came one night after Centre of Excellence defeated Canb. Nationals 93-71. Centre of Excellence shot efficiently from the floor and free throw line, while Canb. Nationals struggled from three-point range. Centre of Excellence next plays at Central Coast on June 13. Canb. Nationals visit Illawarra on the same day.