IN a match that was played at a high tempo for all four quarters, the Bendigo Spirit secured their third win of the season, defeating the Adelaide Lightning by four points at Geelong Arena. It was a game that was controlled by pace at different times, as the Spirit found answers late in the last quarter to claim an 81-77 victory.

Both teams played majority of the first quarter at a fast pace style of game, with the two sides looking after the ball well.

While the Spirit controlled the tempo at a slow paced style to start the second, the Lightning lifted on the defensive end, playing at a quick pace defensively and driving to the basket.

Mehryn Kraker was a playmaker for the Spirit, setting up the team offensively and showing poise at important stages of the first half.

For the Lightning, Isabelle Bourne shot the ball with confidence, shooting the ball at 5/8 from the field and being a strong presence in the paint.

Both teams were relatively even on the boards, 14-13 in favour of the Lightning, while the Lightning shot the ball well from the three point range as well, 50 per cent compared to the Spirit at 25 per cent.

Although both teams continued to battle for majority of the third quarter, with the Spirit winning the quarter, 23-19, the Lightning fought back in the last period, 26-24, but Bendigo was able to find some clutch shots from Alex Wilson to secure the victory.

Kraker finished the game with 20 points, five assists and five rebounds, while Wilson had 15 points, four assists and four rebounds. Alicia Froling and Kelsey Griffin had an impact off the bench, finishing the game with 15 and 10 points respectively.

For the Lightning, Lauren Mansfield finished with 28 points, three rebounds and one assist, Brianna Turner had a strong defensive presence, with 11 rebounds and Isobel Borlase was strong with 25 points, five rebounds and one assist.