WITH finals just within their reach Adelaide Lightning had one job to do – win – and that is exactly what they did downing Bendigo Spirit by 10 points in an enthralling battle. Sitting two games outside of the top four and with two games still left to play Adelaide left nothing to chance to put themselves in good shape to make a potential finals tilt if things go their way.

A fast starting Bendigo side shocked the Lightning as they piled on 23 points to 12 in a dominant opening term. Despite Adelaide getting the first points on the board, the Spirit had other plans in the first few minutes of play extending out to as much as a 12 point lead at the six minute mark (14-2) thanks to their accuracy and silky movement. Staring down the barrel of an 11 point deficit the Lightning quickly picked up the pieces in the second quarter finding their rhythm to get back onto level pegging’s and even up the playing field to head into the main break down by a mere point. That hot momentum continued into the third as they doubled their opponents 13 points to knock back 26 points in the term and create a handy buffer heading into the final change of a must win game. the scoring well and truly dried up in the final quarter of action with both sides combining for 22 points and the Spirit actually outscoring the Lightning, the damage had already been done allowing the Lightning to keep their finals hopes alive if all goes to plan from here on out.

Both sides shot at a relatively low clip from the field although Adelaide had a slightly higher  accuracy sitting at 38 per cent compared to Bendigo’s 34 per cent. In terms of two point range that is where the Lightning did their most damage nailing 17 of 31 attempts at 54 per cent while the shots just were not sinking for Bendigo only managing 36 per cent. However their long range shooting was a fraction better than their opponents registering a conversion rate of 29 per cent while the victors sat at 20 per cent. Bendigo were strong on the rebounds reeling in whatever fell short to collect 11 more than Adelaide (48-37). On the assists front Adelaide led the way (17-13) while also taking the cake for steals (9-2) showcasing their defensive intent. Turnovers was another key area as the Lightning only recorded eight for the game while Bendigo had 14.

The scoring was somewhat shared between a number of players but it is no surprise that Steph Talbot led the way with a team-high 15 points at 42 per cent accuracy from the field. She also managed six rebounds, five of which were defensive along with an impressive three steals highlighting her cleanliness and defensive class. Alex Wilson was not far behind on the scoring front knocking back 14 points while three seemed to be the magic number for the guard recording three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Abigail Wehrung played a strong role in her 29 minutes on court amassing 12 points, two rebounds and three assists while Chelsea Brook could have had a bigger day out had she been more accurate converting at a lowly 28 per cent from the field but still managed 11 points along with five rebounds and two assists. Marena Whittle was the only other Lightning player to reach double figures with 10 points to her name. Whittle also reeled in five rebounds and three steals while Louella Tomlinson proved to be a handy option off the bench with her five points, four rebounds and three assists.

It was a one woman show for Bendigo with the ever-reliable Carley Ernst steering the ship from start to finish with her game-high haul of 32 points. Ernst was a menace across the court nailing four triples and boasting a 44 per cent accuracy from the field highlighting her overall dominance. Not only did she do damage on the scoreboard and keep her side in the hunt for a win but starred off the boards with a whopping 15 rebounds, 11 defensive to round out a solid performance from the forward. The next best was Tessa Lavey who played the entire game and managed to walk away with 17 points, five rebounds and six assists to her name however was costly with ball in hand racking up four turnovers. The scoring well and truly dropped off after Lavey and Ernst with Alicia Froling the closest with a mere four points which accompanied her five rebounds and three assists. Although Chevannah Paalvast did not manage to hit the scoreboard in her 30 minutes on court she proved to be handy on the rebound finishing with seven.

It was a seesawing affair but once the Lightning had control they did not let go but will want to have a fast start in their next clash on Saturday against Townsville who currently hold fourth spot if they are to both topple them and keep their finals hopes alive. For Bendigo they now prepare for the Boomers on Saturday.