A BRILLIANT shooting masterclass by Mehryn Kraker has helped the Bendigo Spirit to an upset win over the Perth Lynx in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) at the Bendat Basketball Centre on Saturday night.

It was a big match for both sides, with the Lynx looking to keep in touch with the top four following two losses in Round 11 against the Capitals and Flames, whilst the Spirit looked to bounce back, following a tough loss against the Flyers on Wednesday afternoon to kick off Round 12.

Bendigo Spirit (95) def. Perth Lynx (74)

Bendigo started the game strongly, scoring nine of 11 points before the Lynx made a scoring run of their own. It was the Spirit in the later stages that had the momentum, knocking down a three to take a seven-point lead at quarter time.

After some tight action throughout the match, the Lynx found momentum, reducing the margin to three at three quarter time and setting up an exciting finish. However, the Spirit won the last quarter, 30-12 as the visitors cruised to a 21-point win.

In a team collective effort for the Spirit, Kraker was the standout, doing the work on both ends of the floor, excelling as both a passer and scorer, proving a solid ball facilitator and setting the team up well, as well as being an option herself and spacing the floor well to take the right shots.

Kraker top scored with 27 points, five assists, five rebounds and one steal, shooting at 81 per cent from the field and 80 percent from three.

Kraker also opened up some of her other teammates. The likes of Ruth Davis (15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal), Alex Wilson (15 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds) and Alicia Froling (12 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal) were standout contributions reflecting Kraker’s pinpoint passing.