Coach Kereama hoping to build on breakthrough WNBL win
Bendigo Spirit coach Kennedy Kereama is hoping to keep building on last weekend’s come-from-behind victory over Sydney as his team hunts back-to-back wins against Adelaide on Saturday.
The Spirit take on the Lightning in the city of churches full of belief after overcoming a 15-point second-quarter deficit and the loss of captain Kelsey Griffin last week to clinch their first win of the Women’s National Basketball League season.
“We’re continuing to build,” Kereama said.
“Last week’s win continues to reinforce that we’re on the right track.
“The level of focus and intensity at training has always been there, but now that belief has increased and it validates the time and effort that we’ve put in.
“It also demonstrates the depth of the group after our most dangerous collaborative team effort.”
In more positive news, Griffin returns from the minor hamstring issue which kept her out last match.
“KG is a definite, she trained fully this week,” Kereama said.
Kereama highlighted the importance of the first two quarters against the Lightning and their “high tempo” of basketball.
“The first two quarters are critical,” he said.
“They play a high tempo of basketball and pushed Townsville to a close game on Wednesday night.
“Brianna Turner is a star in the WNBA, she’s a great shot blocker and rebounder.
“Lauren Mansfield is a crafty point guard and Jocelyn Willoughby is coming off a WNBA finals campaign.
“They a very good side.”
GAME DETAILS
Spirit v Lightning
Adelaide Arena
Saturday, December 2
Tip-off at 7.30pm 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.