Spirit on the verge of something special, as streak extends to 9-0
Bendigo Spirit have affirmed that they are on the verge of something special in season 2024/2025, holding off a late fightback from the Townsville Fire to keep their unblemished record alive in Round 7 of the Women’s National Basketball League.
The Spirit held on for a narrow 86-80 win over the Fire – who are no slouches but any measure, currently occupying third spot on the WNBL ladder – to extend their winning streak to nine in a row.
After pre-game festivities which honoured club and WNBL legend, Gabe Richards, the current day Spirit players were determined continue paying homage to Richards with their on-court performance.
As has been the script for much of this season, the Spirit were hot out of the blocks, led by the one and only, Sami Whitcomb. The home team put in a huge first term, winning it 28 to 16, and continued to build on this lead in the second.
By half time, the Spirit had extended their lead to 20, with the second quarter ledger reading 24-16 in favour of the Spirit. Whitcomb’s personal tally had already reached a massive 26 by the main break, being aptly assisted by captain, Kelsey Griffin, in the second term, highlighted by a 2-point jump shot made by Griffin with just three seconds left in the half, with the assist coming from none other than Whitcomb.
The Fire came out a new team after half time, and led by Abbey Ellis (17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal) and Lauren Mansfield (17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal), absolutely dominated the Spirit. The Fire won the term – 29 to 13 – thanks to some excellent shooting, but the Spirit still held onto a narrow four-point lead at the final change.
It was a tense final term, as the Fire hunted the Spirit, drawing level but never being able to take the lead. Some huge plays from the Spirit’s US import, Veronica Burton, in the final quarter, sealed the win for the home team, who narrowly won the quarter (21-19), securing a six-point win.
Whitcomb finished the match with yet another Player of the Game award, and stats of 35 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block. Griffin – oh-so-close to a double-double – had 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, an assist and a block, whilst for the Fire, Courtney Woods recorded an impressive double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.
The Spirit will now front up for back-to-back home games, when they take on the Perth Lynx at Red Energy Arena next Thursday.
In yet another highly-anticipated, top-of-the-table clash – with both team still occupying the number 1 and 2 spots on the ladder – tip-off will be at 6.30pm, with tickets now available for purchase via Ticketek.