Preview: Round 10 UC Capitals V Bendigo Spirit

UC Capitals V Bendigo Spirit

Saturday, 21 December

5pm tip-off 

NCCC

Tickets: click here.

Game Day Program: click here.

Livestream: click here.

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The UC Capitals have had a couple blows over the past week. After losing their 16-strong home game win streak to the Southside Flyers in Round 9, the news broke that co-captain Kelsey Griffin had suffered a high ankle sprain which would put her out for six weeks. Griffin will be in a boot for 2-3 weeks before slowly working her way back onto the court.

Despite some bad news, head coach Paul Goriss remains positive. The UC Caps remain second on the ladder and he’s confident the team have what it takes to make it to finals which would coincide with when Griffin is due to come back.

It’s also an opportunity to create more depth in the squad as other players will get more minutes and become more confident with their roles. Keely Froling will step back into a starting position as she did earlier this season when Marianna Tolo was injured.

“To me, there’s no added pressure. You’re not going to replace Kelsey’s double-double, her basketball IQ and what she brings in a leadership role. It’s just about individuals stepping up and doing a bit extra. I don’t think we can point to one person and say, ‘you’ve got to do what Kelsey does’ – we’ve got to do it as a group,” said Goriss.

All adjustments will be made before we take on the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday night as we look to defend our home court once again.

The last time the UC Caps saw the Spirit, Kia Nurse went on a shooting barrage and posted a career-high 32 points. Another win will mean we secure the series split.

Bendigo will also be hindered by their missing import centre, Rebecca Tobin. As they sit bottom of the ladder and coming off a loss to Sydney on Thursday night, the Spirit will be hungry for a win.

This will be Kelly Wilson’s first time in Canberra since winning her fourth championship with the UC Capitals earlier this year. Although it will be great to see Wilson in action, she’s certainly a threat and her match up with Olivia Epoupa will no doubt be highly entertaining.

The UC Capitals will also be bringing back the ActewAGL Light Up The Capitals crowdsourced light show after a highly successful trial last weekend. If you haven’t already, read through the instructions to join in on the fun.