Spirit takes on fired-up rivals

BENDIGO Spirit faces two opponents on the rebound from defeat in the space of three days when round two in the Cygnett Women’s Basketball League is played.

After a hard-fought 14-point victory at home against Adelaide Lightning last Saturday night, Spirit takes to the Australian Institute of Sport court for Friday night’s clash with the UC Capitals.

Canberra’s team was on the end of a 17-point loss to Sydney Flames in round one.

The Caps and Spirit clash tips off at 6.30pm.

On Sunday the Bendigo team returns to Red Energy Arena to take on league newcomer Geelong United from 12.30pm.

Geelong went down to Townsville Fire by 26 points.

In his third season as Spirit coach, Kennedy Kereama was rapt with an 18-1 run to close out an 84-70 result.

“To keep Adelaide to seven points in the final quarter was exceptional,” Kereama said.

A line-up which has plenty of scoring punch also showed its defensive prowess, especially in the opening five minutes and the last five minutes.

“We can measure defence in so many ways. A goal is to get three defensive stops in a row. The team locked in to doing that incredibly well in the last quarter.”

Bendigo was without two important pieces – Kelsey Griffin (finger) and Ashlee Hannan (shin awareness).

Team-mates in the Opals run to bronze at the Paris Olympics, guard Sami Whitcomb and centre Marianna Tolo starred in their Spirit debut as WNBL games record-holder Kelly Wilson dished out seven assists.

Whitcomb’s match-high 27 points included six three-pointers as Tolo won 14 rebounds and poured in 13 points.

Casey Samuels added 21 points as Veronica Burton’s defensive skill-set was reflected in eight rebounds.

Consecutive three-pointers by Abbey Wehrung who ended up on 13 points sparked Spirit after Lightning led 69-66 at seven minutes to go.