Bendigo return home to host Flyers

Bendigo Spirit coach Kennedy Kereama is looking forward to taking on Southside Flyers for the second time in as many weeks after a thrilling win over Adelaide in Geelong on Friday night.
The Spirit complete a round-seven double-header against the star-studded Flyers at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena on Sunday, hoping to make it back-to-back victories.
Kereama felt his team was in a much better position compared to the last time the two teams met last Saturday, which resulted in a heavy defeat, after a great week on the training court.
“I’m really looking forward to that match-up,” Kereama said.
“Southside came off a pretty tough loss (to defending champs Townsville) on Thursday night so I’m sure they’re in a similar space to us.
“Luckily for them, it’s a short turn-around before they get to play their next game.
“It’s been a great week on the track for us and the team has done a great job of responding in the right way.”
While conceding it wasn’t perfect, Kereama was pleased with Bendigo’s hard-fought 81-77 win over the Lightning at Geelong Arena.
“I think what matters most is the team executed the majority of what we needed to execute when it mattered,” Kereama said.
“I think that’s the biggest takeaway. Certainly from a team perspective, we could’ve been better.
“I don’t think any team has the perfect game but for us to come out on the right side of that result, it’s a pretty important win for us and now locks away a series with Adelaide as well.”
The Flyers have plenty of talent in their line-up, led by Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson and fellow WNBA-experienced players Leilani Mitchell, Jasmine Dickey and Mercedes Russell.
Young gun Nyadiew Puoch was the star of the show last time the two teams met, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds.
GAME DETAILS
Spirit v Flyers
Red Energy Arena
Sunday, December 17
Tip-off at 5.30pm EDT
INJURY LIST
Sophia Locandro: Hamstring, return date TBA
Ella Gordon: Back, return date TBA
SPIRIT ROSTER
You can view the Spirit’s 2023-24 playing roster here
SEASON FIXTURES
You can view the Spirit’s 2023-24 season fixture here
HOW TO WATCH
All games will again be broadcast live, with Wednesday night games (and all finals games) on ESPN (Foxtel, KAYO and Sky Sports NZ), while all other games will be shown on the Nine Network’s free digital channel, 9Now. Internationally all games will be broadcast live on FIBA YouTube.