Rd 7 – Spirit vs Lightning Match Report
After three home games in a row, the Adelaide Lightning were hosted by the Bendigo Spirit in Geelong, ready for a tough competition.
FIRST HALF
To begin, the Spirit focused on their patience in offence and were very effective when using pick ‘n’ roll action. Creating multiple scoring opportunities through the middle of the key, the Spirit started well, taking the lead in the first quarter. Continuing their efforts in the second quarter, Mehryn Kraker was on fire. Playing with poise and high IQ, Kraker finished the half with 9-points and 3-assists. Working hard on both ends, Alex Wilson and Alicia Froling also had a massive influence on the flow of the Spirit, creating a gap on the scoreboard.
After Spirits run in the early minutes of the second quarter, the Lightning fired up after a quick time-out and created some big offensive scores and much needed defensive stops. With Isabelle Bourne and Lauren Mansfield hitting some important shots, the Lightning brought the lead back to an even ball game. Brianna Turner and Isobel Borlase having a big influence on the boards, the Lightning went into the half time break down by a narrow 2-points.
SECOND HALF
Throughout all of the second half, both teams went score for score. The Lightning started the half with great composure on offence, using ‘pick and roll’ actions on the wings and middle of the three. Using these screens effectively was Lauren Mansfield. Hot from three and creating some important plays, Mansfield finished the game with a huge 28-points. Alongside her was offensive efforts displayed by Isabelle Bourne. Working hard in the paint and being smart around the basket, Bourne had 25-points to her name.
Even with some big stats from the Lightning roster, the Spirit were never far behind. Using Lightnings early foul trouble to their advantage, the Spirit focused on hard attack and finishing foul shots. Alex Wilson, Alicia Froling, and Kelsey Griffin displayed some great composure when attacking the basket, hitting some tough ‘and ones’ to keep the Spirit just in front. In the dying minutes of the game, Mehryn Kraker finished off some crucial plays for the Spirit, allowing them to scrap over the line, winning by a narrow 4-points.