Bendigo Spirit win first finals game in 10 years
Announcement posted by Basketball Australia 23 Feb 2025
Game Summary
It's been 10 years since Bendigo Spirit played finals and 7 years for Sydney Flames, and they've made their return to the final series!
Sydney Flames came out of the gate hot, quickly building a 7-point lead early in the game. But Bendigo responded with a dominant 13-1 run, taking control of the game. The momentum for Bendigo further came after Shaniece Swain of Sydney was injured in the second quarter, leaving the Flames struggling to match Bendigo's intensity.
From that point on, it was all Bendigo, with the Spirit leading by as much as 27 points at one point and finishing the half with a 23-point lead. Sami Whitcomb, showing why she's the league MVP, was outstanding, putting up 20 points by halftime.
Despite a tough first half, Sydney refused to back down and showed heart in the third quarter, with Tahlia Tupaea (16 points) leading the charge. Sydney rallied and managed to close the margin to 9 points by the final buzzer.
Sami Whitcomb finished the game with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists.
Bendigo ultimately took Game 1, but Sydney showed they're not going down without a fight. Can the Flames carry that momentum into Game 2 on Thursday?
Score
Bendigo Spirit (76) defeated Sydney Flames (67)
Venue
Red Energy Arena, Bendigo
Best photo
Sami Whitcomb of the Spirit drives to the basket against Cayla George of the Flames
Game Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmlDWDv5MwQ
Game Stats
Game images
Getty (all WNBL images this season)