The Townsville Fire's title defence began in winning fashion, the highly-rated Sydney Flames went down in Perth and Lauren Jackson had her first minutes as the new WNBL season got underway.
The Melbourne Boomers shook off the departures of reigning MVP Cayla George and Opals captain Tess Madgen and sit atop the ladder after winning their first two games, including Wednesday's season opener.
In the absence of Flames recruit George, talls Penina Davidson and ex-WNBA player Niz Hillmon combined for 26 points in the 68-60 road defeat of the Adelaide Lightning.