Canberra Capitals coach Carrie Graf insisted they didn't take struggling Adelaide lightly after Lauren Jackson was sidelined for the boilover home loss, adamant her knee wasn't fit for play on Friday night.
With their finals hopes on a tightrope, the Capitals lost 79-71 to the under seige Lightning, who had won just three times all season and their very existence in jeopardy after the loss of their financial backer.
On paper it looked an easy kill. The Capitals were prohibitive $1.03 odds with the bookies and had just come off two huge road wins in Victoria.
But Graf said it wasn't a case of complacency leaving out Jackson, whose knee was still swollen after playing in last week's back-to-back road wins over Bendigo and Melbourne.
The Capitals have slipped to 10-10 and out of the top four, and face top two teams Townsville (away) and Bendigo (home to finish the regular season.
The slip-up has given a chance to fellow finals aspirants Sydney (9-9) and Melbourne (9-9) to capitalise.
"You don't rest people in [virtual] finals," Graf said.
"We would've suited Lauren up [if passed fit medically] and if things were going your way you don't play her much.
"It was just too swollen, medically they said she can't play.
"We didn't choose to rest her against a soft opponent, because that [loss] is what happens and it certainly wasn't the case."
The Capitals sorely missed Jackson on the boards, out-rebounded by Adelaide 34-23.
They were lethargic in defence, particularly the first half, the penetration of guard Angela Marino (16 points) helping Adelaide build a 15-point first half lead.
Led by Steph Talbot (23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists) the Capitals took a one-point lead in the final quarter, but Adelaide were more composed down the stretch.
Capitals skipper Abby Bishop continued her fine season with 29 points, but Canberra had too many passengers.
"We just didn't have enough contributors and defensively, we didn't play the scout at critical times," Graf said.
"Ang Marino was the MVP tonight, she carved us up with penetration."
The Capitals finals hopes are now in severe jeopardy and head to league leaders Townsville, who they lost to by 48 points last meeting, next week.
Shooting at almost 70 per cent until midway through the second term, Adelaide built a shock 36-21 lead before some Talbot brilliance finally sparked Canberra.
The Capitals went on a 16-7 run to finish the half to get within striking distance 43-37 at the main break.
MVP favourite Bishop put the Capitals on her shoulders after half-time, scoring nine quick points to give the hosts a 51-50 advantage.
But Adelaide, rated an $11 chance pre-match, refused to give in, adopting a siege mentality as the future of the club remains uncertain after this season.
ADELAIDE LIGHTNING 79 (Angela Marino 16, Jenni Screen 15, Carley Mijovic 15) bt CANBERRA CAPITALS 71 (Abby Bishop 29, Steph Talbot 23) at AIS Arena on Friday night.
