IN a game of two halves, the Melbourne Boomers came from behind to defeat Bendigo Spirit by two points at the Boom Box on Sunday afternoon, continuing their unbeaten start to the season.

It was a match that was played with extreme pace, with the high tempo being a common theme for the two sides, before Melbourne fired late to claim a 76-74 victory.

Whilst the Boomers were on song in the early stages of the first quarter, the Spirit showed poise and patience, attacking the basket and finding that open transition to the basket.

Bendigo continued to show effort on both ends of the floor, finding the open player on the perimeter. The Spirit forced the Boomers into stagnation offensively and forcing Melbourne into turnovers.

Coming back from injury, Kelsey Griffin was instrumental in the first half, hitting shots from two and three point range and providing energy into the lineup. Ruth Davis played a key presence in the paint, with the Spirit guards doing a great job getting the ball into the right spots, with Davis being a key target.

For the Boomers, coming back from injury, Aimie Rocci came up with some creative passes around the perimeter and her craftiness with the ball, whilst Jordin Canada continued to be productive and show aggressiveness around the basket.

The Spirit were on song from the field, shooting 14 from 32 at 44 per cent. They were also effective on the defensive end, 18-12, while offensive rebounds were even, 8-8.

Although the Spirit continued to be aggressive and had some of the momentum in the third quarter, the Boomers found their range from the field. Melbourne snagged some crucial stops on the defensive end to gain control of the game and put the tempo on their terms, with some clutch free throws from Canada to seal the victory.

For the Boomers, Canada continued her brilliant start to the season, finishing the game with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Keely Froling and Sara Blicavs brought plenty of punch and energy, both finishing with 14 and 15 points respectively.

Coming back from injury and in new colours, Rocci provided some punch off the bench, coming up with some crafty plays offensively.

For the Spirit, another returning player in Griffin was electric on both ends of the floor, shooting the ball at a high volume with 33 points. Davis was instrumental and solid inside the post, showing poise especially while being doubled and providing a key target. Abigail Wehrung also had a solid game, finishing with 11 points and four rebounds.