UC Capitals succumb to Bendigo Spirit
Jayda Clark made her starting debut for the UC Capitals, in their Fighting Period Poverty Round against the Bendigo Spirit. The emerging star replaced Jade Melbourne who was rested as she manages a minor lower leg injury. Clark started alongside Alex Sharp, Alex Fowler, Nicole Munger and Monica Okoye. Mehryn Kraker, Kelly Wilson, Ally Wilson, Kelsey Griffin and Ruth Davis started for the Bendigo Spirit, as they fought for their spot in the top four.
Quarter 1
It was a competitive opening quarter of basketball between the two sides, as Bendigo’s Ruth Davis started the scoring. Canberra was quick to respond, with an under pressure Fowler finding Sharp who scored a two under the basket. While there was some miscommunication in defence which allowed some easy points for Bendigo, primarily through Ally Wilson, a highlight for the Caps included a long range two from Jayda Clark, to record her first points in her starting role. A low scoring final few minutes for the Caps saw them down by 11 at the break.
Caps 14, Spirit 25
Quarter 2
Munger knocked a three down in the opening minute of the second quarter, which seemed to trigger a strong start of quarter two, as the Caps found their rhythm and focus to gain back control. The Caps main some inroads in their 12 point deficit, notching it back five points between them,and soon after a two point hook shot by Okoye narrowed the margin to one, with 3 minutes left of the opening half. Two back-to-back three’s from Kraker however sent the Bendigo crowd cheering as the hosts used their experience to extend their lead. On the buzzer, Bendigo’s Ally Wilson made a jump shot to tally her 2000th point in the league.
Caps 40, Spirit 54
Quarter 3
The Cap’s starting five made their way out onto the court, with Alex Sharp unloading a valuable three in a great start for the visitors, followed soon after by a driving lay-up. The Caps made some good stops and the margin continued to hover around 10 points. As the Spirit started their scoring run, the Caps couldn’t make theirs drop until Alex Sharp brought some energy back to the group, with a block and a three to record yet another double double for the evening. Despite the Caps winning the quarter with 16 points, to Bendigo’s 13, they went into the break behind by 12.
Caps 56, Spirit 68
Quarter 4
Kelsey Griffin was the first to score in the final 10 of the game, before getting the rebound at the other end as she targeted Fowler heavily in defence. As the margin extended to a 20 point difference, the Caps kept cool with some nice finishes from Shakera Reilly from the arc, and Alex Bunton under the ring. Alex Sharp reached 20 points for her team, Fowler with 14 and Okoye on 11.
Caps 75, Spirit 93