THE big names typically stand up in the big games, and that is exactly what Rebecca Cole did as her Waverley Falcons produced a commanding performance to down the Bendigo Braves in the NBL1 National Women’s Final on Sunday.

The final women’s game to take place at the National Finals on the Sunshine Coast over the weekend saw the red-hot Falcons take on the reigning champions in the Braves. Waverley took out the NBL1 South title on the back of a huge winning streak, while Bendigo brought last year’s winning experience to the table in what was shaping as an intriguing decider.

Unfortunately for those who were expecting a close affair, the match proved to be a blowout from the get-go. The Falcons stormed out of the gates on a 17-2 run that essentially decided the match. Waverley was far too good across the course of the entire match, with the result locked in early as it cruised home to a 48-point triumph to win the National title.

Cole was at her brilliant best in the decider, exploding on the offensive end for an elite scoring showing to lead from the front.

Waverley Falcons (97) def. Bendigo Braves (49)

Bec Cole – 33 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, two blocks

The scoring performance of Cole was one of the biggest factors in the game, and helped the Falcons get out to a match-winning lead.

By the time the first change had rolled around, she already had 15 points next to her name, scoring the final six of the opening term in a remarkable start to the match. Cole had 23 in the first half, finding the bottom of the net at will, whether it was three-pointers or lay-ups in transition.

Although she slowed down in the second half, Cole allowed her teammates to take the spotlight on the scoring front, and still chimed in for the occasional make in the final two quarters.

There was not much the defence could do to stop her, as she even fought through contact to generate and-one scoring opportunities, in a pure demonstration of how well she was seeing the bottom of the net.

The offence typically started in her hands, and she seemed unfazed by whoever was guarding her, able to create space off the dribble and generate a good look at the hoop.

She also went a perfect 5/5 from the charity stripe, showing composure and exactly why she is regarded as one of the best players in the nation.

Cole poured in a game-high 33 points on 12/20 shooting from the field in a simply masterful display of scoring the basketball. Her form throughout the finals was a big reason why the Falcons proved to be the best side in the country at the National Finals, and capped off a magnificent tournament with a huge outing in the decider.