AN enormous triple-double from Callie Bourne was the catalyst for a big win for the Canberra Nationals over the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders in Round 14 of the National Basketball League (NBL)1 East Women’s over the weekend.

In the penultimate week of the 2024 season, there were plenty of high-scoring affairs that were very closely fought in nature. With the finals race still open on the eve of the postseason, the ladder moves after every result, and each game plays some sort of role in determining whose season keeps rolling in a fortnight’s time.

The Nationals and the Spiders went head to head at The Brickpit on Sunday afternoon, and it was a close encounter for much of the game. The Spiders took it right up to the visiting side, but unfortunately, the 32-20 second period proved decisive in the context of the match, with the Nationals holding on for a 14-point win despite a strong challenge from Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai.

Bourne was absolutely everywhere for the winning side, stuffing the stat sheet in a decisive performance in the context of the match.

Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders (78) def. by Canberra Nationals (92)

Callie Bourne – 24 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists

Bourne recorded a huge triple-double in her side’s tense win over the Spiders over the weekend, showing exactly why opposition teams cannot afford to let her do as she pleases on the court.

She was one of three Canberra players to record 20-plus points for the match, finishing with 24 alongside teammates Lizzy Tonks (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Jasmyn Boutzos (20 points) as the trio got the Nationals to a winning score.

Bourne shot 9/19 from the field, preferring to do most of her work close to the basket, although she did knock down one three-pointer on four attempts. She also hit five of her eight attempts from the free throw line, showing composure at the charity stripe more often than not.

The guard was just about unstoppable on the glass as well, pulling down 17 boards, with six coming on the offensive end and helping generate second-chance scoring opportunities for Bourne and her teammates. The opposition simply did not box her out well enough and the United States import made them pay in a big way.

She was also the game’s premier playmaker, helping orchestrate pick-and-roll plays to get her teammates open. Bourne combined particularly well with Tonks, as the duo poked holes in the defence with ease.

It was a well-rounded showing from Bourne, who impacted the game in several ways and was one of the defining factors in getting Canberra to a win.