Capitals step up to sour coach's last game for Venom

The UC Capitals have spoiled two-time WNBL championship coach Chris Lucas's farewell game with Geelong Venom, who suffered a 76-67 loss in Canberra.

Before the teams' final match of the season at the AIS Arena on Saturday, Lucas announced he would take a break from the league after deciding not to extend his contract in December.

But he kept the door open for a return to the competition, having coached for 18 WNBL seasons and racking up more than 400 games in charge.

The 2018/2019 Coach of the Year made 13 finals series, winning the competition with Townsville in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.

After a season impacted by injuries, Geelong couldn't end their campaign on a high, despite the typically inspirational Mackenzie Holmes posting 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Much of the match was locked in a one-possession scoreline, before Canberra guard Jayda Clark hit a triple midway through the fourth quarter.

The Capitals then went on a 7-2 game-defining run.

Despite the loss, Lucas has not ruled out returning to the WNBL.

"If an opportunity presents and it's the right situation, I'll look at it. But right now, I just want to enjoy this season, head home and spend some time with family," he said.

"What they (the team) have dealt with internally, I'm extremely proud that they've stayed together. I haven't experienced that in my whole career."

Lucas also heaped praise on captain Jaz Shelley, who had 10 points, six assists and two blocks.

"I'm going to miss working with her. She's made tremendous growth in the last 12 months," he said.

"The next cycle, I'm hoping she can push herself into an Opals spot. She'll keep improving."

After a 82-75 loss to the Southside Melbourne Flyers on Tuesday that ruled them out of finals, the Capitals (9-14) finished the season in style.

Clark grabbed a career-high 16 points, while Nyadiew Puoch, Jade Melbourne (11 assists), Teige Morrell and Zitina Aokuso (11 rebounds) notched double-digit scoring performances.

Geelong (7-16) coughed up 19 turnovers, but Shyla Heal (15 points, five rebounds, five assists) and Elissa Brett (13 points) were busy.

"There was a lightness today, knowing the pressure was off," Capitals coach Paul Goriss said.

"This week we spoke about how we can repay them (the crowd) for coming every week, and you definitely can feel the energy in this arena."

Melbourne started hot, firing six points as the Capitals opened up a 19-12 quarter-time lead.

The teams traded baskets to start the second quarter, but Brett and Holmes piled on the points to cut the deficit to 35-33 at the main break.

After a see-sawing third quarter, the Capitals broke free to set up a deserved victory.