Spirit’s a win away from grand final series

BENDIGO Spirit is a win away from qualifying for the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League grand final series in the 2024-25 season.

Spirit takes to the Sydney Flames court at Quaycentre this Thursday night after a nine-point victory in game one of their semi-final series played on Sunday at Red Energy Arena.

After a nervous start to the club’s first play-off match in 10 years, Bendigo seized control as it charged to a 51-23 lead by half-time.

In a week where she earned the Suzy Batkovic Medal as league and the Spirit’s most valuable player honours, Sami Whitcomb dominated the opening half of the semi-final.

She had reached 20 points by the main break on her way to a game-high 26 points.

The Paris Olympics bronze medallist also won 11 rebounds as Spirit won 76-67.

A wealth of “big game” experience in the Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit squad was always going to be a deciding factor.

A formidable line-up which achieved an 18-3 record in the home-and-away series includes four-time WNBL champions Kelsey Griffin and Kelly Wilson, Paris Olympian and three-time WNBL champion Marianna Tolo.

Spirit also had the defensive prowess of Veronica Burton from the United States and scoring ability of Abbey Wehrung and Casey Samuels on court.

A brilliant player in all parts of the court, Burton poured in 19 points and won five rebounds.

Tolo racked up 10 points and seven rebounds in a match where Spirit outrebounded the Flames, 45-32.

Leading rebounder for Bendigo was Kelsey Griffin on 12.

A game tally of 10 points by Wehrung included three-of-five attempts from beyond the three-point arc as Samuels scored six points and won five rebounds.

Although it was down 51-28 at half-time, Sydney Flames fought back strongly to win the second half, 39-25.

Leading stats for Sydney were Tahlia Tupaea, 16 points, and Cayla George on 14 points and five rebounds.

Other key contributors for the Flames were Carla Pittman, six points and five rebounds; Bonnie Deas, six points and four rebounds; Shaneice Swain and Isabella Bracatisiano on seven points each.

The Guy Molloy-coached Flames will be aiming to take the momentum from their strong final quarter into Thursday’s clash to keep their season alive.

In the west it was Townsville which scored a 92-87 win against Perth Lynx in Perth on Saturday night.

Fire will be back home for Wednesday night’s clash with Lynx.