Edge-of-Your-Seat Showdown: Bendigo Come Out Victorious!
Announcement posted by Basketball Australia 14 Jan 2024
Summary
In a thrilling matchup between the Bendigo Spirit and the UC Capitals at Red Energy Arena, the Bendigo Spirit have come away with their 2nd win in a row.
The Capitals showcased a robust defense from the start, denying Bendigo any points in the initial possession. Jade Melbourne's aggressive drives and fouls drew early attention. Meanwhile, Kelly Wilson and Kelsey Griffin's collaboration resulted in remarkable offensive plays securing points from within the paint.
The Capitals managed to establish a lead, going on a run and setting the score at 7-11. A mid-quarter timeout by Bendigo's coach, Kennedy Kereama, spurred a comeback. Post-timeout, Bendigo rallied, narrowing the gap to 17-19. However, the Capitals responded, finishing the quarter with a 22-24 lead.
Quarter two brought turnovers and missed attempts, with Griffin's layup tying the score at 24-24. Despite facing tough defense, Jade Melbourne persisted in her aggressive drives. Mehryn Kraker's crucial 3-point shot gave Bendigo a three-point lead, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle.
The halftime buzzer sounded with the score deadlocked at 45-45. Kelsey Griffin led with 12 points and 4 rebounds, while Alex Sharp grabbed 6 rebounds for the Capitals.
Bendigo surged in the third quarter, reaching a 7-point lead (54-47) and eventually establishing a double-digit lead. Both teams exhibited solid defense, and foul trouble began to emerge. As the third quarter concluded, Bendigo held a fifteen-point lead, with the score standing at 75-56.
UC Capitals faced a substantial deficit in the fourth quarter. Alex Fowler drew fouls and converted free throws, but Griffin's three-point play maintained Bendigo's 21-point lead (78-57).
In the end, Bendigo Spirit secured a significant victory, demonstrating their cohesiveness on the court.
Score
Bendigo Spirit 88 defeated UC Capitals 66.
Venue
Red Energy Arena - Bendigo
Best photo
Jade Melbourne of the Capitals drives to the basket under pressure from Kelsey Griffin of the Spirit during the WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and UC Capitals.
Top Performers
- Kelsey Griffin (Bendigo Spirit) - 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals.
- Alex Wilson (Bendigo Spirit) - 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists.
- Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals) - 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds.
- Alex Sharp (UC Capitals) - 9 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist.
Game stats
Box Score - Bendigo Spirit vs UC Capitals - 14/1/2024
Video highlights
Game images
- Getty (all WNBL images this season)
Next games
- Next Bendigo Spirit Game: WED 17 JAN V SOUTHSIDE FLYERS | 3:00pm (AEDT) at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre - Watch on 9Now
- Next UC Capitals Game: FRI 19 JAN V SYDNEY FLAMES | 7:00pm (AEDT) at Quaycentre - Watch on 9Now
Other resources