Spirit extend unblemished run to 5-0
Bendigo Spirit have solidified their position atop the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) standings, remaining the only unbeaten team in the competition after recording an 84-76 win away against the Townsville Fire.
The physical encounter lived up to the top-of-the-table billing it deserved, likely giving fans a look ahead to the Finals Series.
Extra heat was added to the match up with stars of both teams – Sami Whitcomb (Bendigo) and Alicia Froling (Townsville) – having worn opposite jerseys last season.
Like clockwork, it was Whitcomb running rings around the opposition early. Notching 11 points in the first quarter, she led her side to a healthy 28-20 scoreline at the first break, as well as solidifying her standing as an early favourite for the League MVP.
The momentum shifted in the second term, however, with the Fire significantly outscoring the Spirit to win the quarter, 22-15. However, it was far from panic stations for the visitors, with lots of positives to take into the main break, namely the return of Abbey Wehrung to the line-up, who shot 11 points in nine minutes off the bench for the half.
The second half got off to a less-than-ideal start for the Spirit, when Marianna Tolo was called for her fourth personal foul just 14 seconds into the third quarter. Keen to protect Tolo and save her physical presence for later in the game, Coach Kennedy Kereama subbed her off for 18-year-old, Asha Nightingale. Nightingale was solid, making two defensive rebounds and a two-point jump shot in the four-and-a-half minutes she was on court in the second half. However, when Nightingale fouled out with still a quarter and a half to go, Tolo – cautiously – came back onto court.
Heading into the final term with a narrow two-point buffer, the Fire began to draw on their home crowd advantage, buoyed by a passionate and vocal supporter base when a contentious foul call went against them. Scores drew to level with only a minute and a half to play, until Whitcomb iced the game with a clutch three-point jump shot with a minute remaining. And made lay up – and 1 – for Tolo, plus two made free throws by Casey Samuels then ran down the clock to ensure the Spirit ran out eight-point winners.
Unsurprisingly, Whitcomb was again named Player of the Match, amassing 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Whitcomb has not tallied less than 22 points in her career for the Spirit thus far.
Wehrung was also crucial for the visitors, with 15 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Zia Cooke led the stats for the opposition, with 18 points, three assists and two rebounds. Lauren Cox from the Fire was also the only player for the match to record a double-double, with 13 points and 13 rebounds, plus three blocks and two assists.
The Spirit will now return to Bendigo to prepare for their Round 4 home match against 23/24 WNBL Champions, Southside Flyers, in Ballarat next Sunday, November 24.
Tip-off at Selkirk Stadium in Wendouree will be at 12.30pm, with tickets now available for purchase via Ticketek.