Spirit’s a win away from basketball championship

BENIDIGO Spirit needs one more victory to be crowned the Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League champions of the 2024-25 season.

The Spirit tipped off the best-of-three grand final series against Townsville Fire by scoring a 70-58 victory in Wednesday night’s showdown at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena.

Heat was high from Fire as it led 31-20 nearing the midway point of the second quarter against a Bendigo line-up chasing the club’s third championship.

Strong defence by Townsville forced Bendigo into several low percentage shots.

As Spirit shots rimmed out or were blocked it was Townsville which took charge.

Unbeaten at home in an 18-3 run across the home-and-away series, Bendigo lifted its play at both ends of the court.

Two of the keys in Bendigo’s fightback were guard Veronica Burton and centre Marianna Tolo.

Spirit ended the half by scoring eight points and kept Fire to just two more.

A highlight in the final minutes of the half was the drive to, spin in the key and two-point shot by Abbey Wehrung.

By the main break Townsville led 33-28, but confidence within the Bendigo squad and the hundreds of fans was on the rise.

Six unanswered points by Tolo made it 35-34 in favour of Fire.

Well-held by Townsville’s defence in the first half, league MVP and Spirit star Sami Whitcomb started to have an impact on the contest at both ends of the court.

A Whitcomb tip-in was followed by an Abbey Wehrung three-pointer as Fire led 40-39 at 3.30 to play in the third.

A brilliant intercept by Whitcomb in mid-court was followed by a drive to the key where she was fouled and sunk both shots.

Scores were locked on 41-all at a quarter to play.

First shot of the last term was a three-point by Spirit guard Kelly Wilson who is the league’s games and assists record-holder.

Back-to-back two-pointers by Ellis put Fire in front again.

Suddenly it was basket-for-basket.

Two points by Spirit captain Kelsey Griffin was followed by another three by Burton.

Bendigo’s superb accuracy from the free-throw line became a significant factor.

An 11-5 run by Spirit completed the 70-58 result.

Burton was superb in her first WNBL grand final as she finished with 24 points, five rebounds and six assists.

A three-time Olympian and three-time WNBL champion, Tolo racked up 15 points and nine rebounds.

Chasing her first WNBL title, Whitcomb posted 12 points and eight boards.

Spirit coach Kennedy Kereama said trust in the process was a key to the victory.

“We were getting great looks at the rim, offensive rebounds, feet in the paint, great post looks and wide-open shots on the perimeter. Finals basketball, there’s always going to be some nerves.

“Just really proud of the group for really sticking it out. The shots eventually dropped.”

Townsville guards Abbey Ellis and Courtney Woods kept the heat on with 17 and 13 points.

Game two will be on this Sunday from 3pm in Townsville.

A third match, if required, will be at Bendigo’s Red Energy on Wednesday, March 12 from 7pm.