Game Preview: UC Capitals set to take on the Bendigo Spirit in front of capacity home crowd

The UC Capitals are back at the AIS for the first time in four years and will be looking to celebrate the team’s return home with a win against the Bendigo Spirit.

After a 102-85 loss on the road to the Sydney Flames in Round 1, the Capitals will look to feed off what is expected to be a sellout crowd to get their season on track.

In the game against Sydney, Jade Melbourne led the way with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. She was supported off the bench by Nicole Munger, who came off the bench had a game high 24 points built around 6/9 shooting from 3.

Bendigo won its opening game of the season, beating the Adelaide Lightning 84-70 at home. Opals Sami Whitcomb (27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) and Marianna Tolo (13 points, 14 rebounds) led the way for the Spirit, who were missing former Capital Kelsey Griffin (out due to injury management).

Against the Flames, the Capitals fell behind early, giving up seven 3s in the first quarter, which led to a 14-point deficit at quarter time.

“The main thing is we’ve just got to get better game by game and every practice, and be great at the basics,” said Coach Paul Goriss.

“Looking at the game, you saw us improving and getting better by the quarter as the nerves started to settle, and for us it’s all about building off that and continuing to build chemistry, and we’ll be alright.”

The Caps will be looking to stop the veteran Opal duo of Whitcomb and Tolo, but will also be wary of a dangerous and well balanced Spirit supporting cast. Casey Samuels (21 points, 7 rebounds) and Veronica Burton (6 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) both provided important contributions in the team’s Round 1 win.

One of the bright spots for the Caps in the opening game was Katie Deeble, who impressed in her Caps debut coming off the bench to score 10 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers in the second quarter to keep the Caps within striking distance of the Flames.

“We’re looking forward to having the crowd behind us on Friday. They’re our sixth player on the court and we’ll definitely be looking to feed off their energy,” said Deeble.

“Bendigo’s obviously a good and experienced team, but we’ve done the work and we’re ready to go and put on a show for the home crowd.”

UC Capitals vs Bendigo Spirit will tip-off at 6:30pm on Friday 8 November at the AIS Arena. Very limited tickets are still available here.