Spirit’s back home against UC Capitals

UNBEATEN in six matches, Bendigo Spirit is back on its court at Red Energy Arena for Saturday night’s Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League match against UC Capitals.

The Kennedy Kereama-coached Spirit will be wary of an opponent which won 81-80 against Townsville Fire in week five at AIS Arena in Canberra.

Spirit’s fighting quality was to the fore in Sunday’s match against Southside Flyers in Ballarat.

A Southside team coached by Bendigo Spirit and Australian Opals legend Kristi Harrower had built an 18-point lead during the second quarter.

The reigning champions were dominating at both ends of the court.

Bendigo’s fightback was built on the back of the play of guard Veronica Burton who scored 20 points, won eight rebounds and seven assists.

Paris Olympian and centre Marianna Tolo was also strong in attack and defence as she poured in 18 points and won 11 rebounds.

Spirit also had Abbey Wehrung and Casey Samuels add 13 and 12 points on the way to a 79-71 victory.

It was another milestone match for WNBL games record-holder and top guard Kelly Wilson as she played her 252nd match for Bendigo Spirit.

Wilson surpassed the long-held club record of centre Gabe Richards who was a key player in Spirit’s championship wins of 2013 and 14 in which Kristi Harrower was a team-mate and Bernie Harrower was a coach.

After such a brilliant run across the opening five games, Paris Olympian and guard Sami Whitcomb was kept in check by the Flyers defence as she finished on 11 points and seven rebounds.

A talented UC Caps team includes Jade Melbourne, Charli Collier, Monique Bobognie and Chantel Horvat.

When these clubs met in round two it was Spirit which charged to a 99-76 victory on the Capitals court.

Saturday night’s match at REA in West Bendigo tips off at 7.30pm.

WNBL standings:

Bendigo Spirit 6 won, 0 lost, +89 points; Perth Lynx 4, 1, +33; Townsivlle Fire 3, 2, +27; Geelong United 2, 3, -47; Southside Flyers 2, 3, +3; UC Capitals 2, 4, -49; Adelaide Lightning 1, 4, -16; Sydney Flames 1, 4, -40.