The Bendigo Spirit secured a crucial victory over the Sydney Flames, winning 80-64 in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) on March 15, 2024. The match, held at the Quaycentre, marked a significant moment for the Spirit as they played without star co-captain Marianna Tolo, who recently announced her pregnancy and will miss the remainder of the season following her 250th game.
Despite the absence of their senior centre, Bendigo exhibited resilience. Young player Olivia Pollerd stepped into the spotlight, scoring a season-high 21 points after a challenging previous two games where she managed just two points. The game was not without its challenges; the Flames mounted a comeback after trailing by 16 points in the second quarter, taking the lead at 56-55 by the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, however, the Spirit surged, outscoring the Flames 25-8 to secure the win. Alongside Pollerd, Izzy Borlase also contributed significantly with 21 points, while American guard Megan McConnell achieved a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. The reigning champions improved their record to 6-2, marking their third consecutive victory and solidifying their position in second place on the league ladder.
Pollerd expressed the team’s feelings regarding Tolo’s absence, stating, “We miss her a lot on the court because she is such an amazing player, but she is such an amazing human at the same time and still brings as much energy.” Tolo, from the sidelines, provided vocal support for her team throughout the match.
On the opposing side, the Flames, currently at 3-7, faced difficulties in maintaining momentum after their recent win against the Geelong Venom. Unique Thompson continued her scoring streak with 14 points and 10 rebounds, marking her fourth consecutive game in double digits, while young talent Isabelle Morgan contributed 12 points.
Flames head coach Guy Molloy reflected on the game, noting, “We didn’t really do any of the things we set out to do in the first half, but the third quarter was one of our best quarters of the season. Our defence went from very good to outstanding to just poor, and we gave the game away.” He emphasized the need for his team to overcome mental lapses that led to their defeat.
The match featured notable performances in front of Opals coach Sandy Brondello, with both teams exchanging baskets early. The Spirit established a 13-point lead by the end of the first quarter, but the Flames fought back, starting the second quarter with a 7-2 run. Despite their efforts, they trailed 42-32 at halftime.
The Spirit’s ability to elevate their offensive pressure in the crucial moments of the game ultimately secured their victory, demonstrating their determination to maintain a strong position in the WNBL standings.
