Spirit fans urged to pack Red Energy Arena

BENDIGO Spirit will be banking on lots of hometown support as it takes on Adelaide Lightning in Friday night’s round 13 clash in the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League season.

The Spirit and Lightning showdown at Red Energy Arena in West Bendigo’s Marong Road tips off at 6.30pm.

The basketball club is offering free tickets for children aged up to 14 to be courtside for what will be the second-last of this season’s home games in the home-and-away series.

Bendigo will be aiming to mark a third consecutive victory against Lightning as the WNBL hosts Period Poverty Round.

What’s been a great season for the Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit tipped off with a 14-point victory against Adelaide in the first round on the REA showcourt.

Spirit won the December 27 match in Adelaide by 28 points.

Bendigo’s attack includes Paris Olympics bronze medallists Sami Whitcomb and Marianna Tolo.

WNBL games record-holder Kelly Wilson and Spirit captain Kelsey Griffin are vying for a fifth WNBL championship.

Key factors in Spirit’s success include the defensive intensity and all-round skill of guard Veronica Burton, perimeter shooting of Casey Samuels and Abbey Wehrung.

The free tickets to the Spirit match must be obtained pre-game through the Ticketek website.

To those who cannot be courtside the match will be telecast on 9Now.

Spirit’s run a long-awaited appearance in the play-offs involves the January 29 match in Geelong, home game against Southside on February 2, and clash with UC Capitals on February 15 in Canberra.