High-flying Spirit heads to Southside

BENDIGO Spirit faces another road test against Southside Flyers in this Sunday’s round eight clash in the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League season.

The Spirit was back on its court at Red Energy Arena for last night’s match against Perth Lynx.

Southside is on the rebound from an 88-86 loss at home to Geelong United.

The Flyers and Spirit clash at the State Basketball Centre, with tip-off at 3pm.

Now coached by Australian Opals and Bendigo Spirit legend Kristi Harrower, with dad Bernie as assistant, Southside took on Spirit in Ballarat on 24 November.

Southside led by 18 points in the first half before Bendigo hit back strongly to claim a 79-71 victory.

A talented Flyers squad includes Bec Cole, Naz Hillman, Alice Kunek, Dallas Loughridge and Mikayla Vaughn.

Spirit withstood a high-quality fightback from Townsville Fire to score an 86-82 win at REA last Saturday night.

A memorable night included the No.20 singlet of Spirit centre and dual championship-winning player Gabe Richards being retired.

At the end of an exciting first half, Bendigo led 52-32.

Fire did just that in the third quarter as it cut Spirit’s lead to a point with just under two minutes to play.

The Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit steadied to lead 65-61 going into the final term.

With scores then locked on 67-all, it was Veronica Burton who sank a three-point shot and followed up with a drive for another two points as Bendigo led 72-67.

The big-game prowess of captain Kelsey Griffin allowed her to nail a three-point shot and made it eight unanswered points for Spirit.

At the final buzzer, Bendigo led 86-80.

Guard Sami Whicomb tallied 35 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the game.

Griffin racked up 16 points and nine rebounds, while Veronica Burton scored 14 points and centre Marianna Tolo won nine rebounds.