Bendigo Spirt in their huddle. (Image: @BendigoSpirit -Twitter)
Coming off their first victory over the UC Capitals, the Flames were looking to put in a consistent four-quarter effort over the undefeated Bendigo Spirit.
The Spirit was challenged by the Flames’ defensive pressure, with the Flames challenging their offence and crashing on the rebounds offensively and defensively.
Kelsey Griffin and Alicia Froling were instrumental in the first quarter for the Bendigo Spirit, finishing with six and five points each respectively.
Bendigo found ways to hit those easy jump shots in the paint, but Sydney kept challenging it, taking tough-range shots.
The Flames shot at a high percentage from two-point range. Whilst both teams’ turnover counts were relatively low, the Spirit found easy drives to the basket.
The battle between Kelsey Griffin and Jocelyn Willoughby was a battle to watch, with both heating up in the early stages of the second quarter, hitting tough shots and keeping their teams in the game.
Whilst the Flames looked to stay in the contest, the Spirit guards Alex Wilson and Tessa Lavey kept the Spirit’s offence composed with some massive playmaking moments.
With the Flames allowing the Spirit extra possessions by crashing the boards, the likes of Kelsey Griffin and Alicia Froling were threats in the paint and on the perimeter, as the Spirit took a 48-39 lead at half-time.
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Sydney had a strong third quarter, outscoring Bendigo 20-15, as it forced Bendigo into tough shots and never allowed it to get it going offensively.
Alicia Froling had a strong third quarter, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds, and was a strong presence in the post, whilst the likes of Kelsey Griffin continued to be a threat for the Flames and who were unable to stop her scoring run.
Whilst the likes of Willoughby, Keely Froling, and Shyla Heal kept the Flames in the contest, the likes of Anneli Maley and Megan Mckay made big-time plays to help the Spirit maintain their lead at three-quarter time.
In what was a quarter of runs, the lead constantly changed for the majority in the last quarter, it was a team effort for Bendigo who were able to be classier down the stretch, locking in defensively, to seal the victory to win, 85-75.
Kelsey Griffin (24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals), Alicia Froling (16 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block), Anneli Maley (14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals), and Alex Wilson (13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal) were along the Spirit’s best.
The Spirit’s next game is the Southside Flyers at home in round seven, for the first time this season in a top-four clash.
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