THE BENDIGO Spirit were able to bounce back after a shock loss last weekend to claim a crucial 12-point win over the UC Capitals thanks to an impressive performance from Megan McKay, who was a shining light off the bench.

The Spirit were stunned by the Capitals in Round 10, as UC claimed its first win of the season, but were able to take revenge at Red Energy Arena on Thursday night. After a cooling off after a hot start to the season, it was a vital result for Bendigo, who are looking to keep in the finals hunt in the back half of the fixture.

There were plenty of players who chimed in to get the Spirit over the line, but none had more success scoring the ball than McKay. Despite not starting and playing limited minutes, the center was extremely efficient in her time on the court and registered a game-high total in the points column.

Bendigo Spirit (86) def. UC Capitals (74)

Megan McKay – 18 mins, 20 points, eight rebounds

McKay made sure to make the most of every bit of playing time she was given, and proved a bit of a wildcard for the Capitals defence, who were watching the likes of Anneli Maley and the Wilsons (Kelly and Alex)

McKay played just 18 minutes, but slotted in seamlessly to whatever lineup she was placed in. Combining well with Maley, the Spirit played a post-centric style of play, and the duo went to work against the Capitals interior defence.

From the field, McKay shot extremely well, draining 10 of her 13 attempts to shoot 76 per cent. Whether it was a cutting lay-up or a crafty post hook, she was able to outwork the opposition and create mismatches on occasion.

The Spirit often looked to push the ball into the Perth native once they realised the damage she was doing in the paint. All of her points came from two-point territory as expected, and did not need any extra help from the charity stripe.

She also pulled down eight rebounds in ruthless fashion, further establishing her dominance against the Capitals’ talls. Four came on the offensive end and resulted in some timely offensive boards as the Spirit held off a fast-finishing opposition.

The Spirit needed a win coming into Thursday’s matchup, and McKay was one of a number of players that stood up. She was a surprise package off the bench and could play a big role in turning Bendigo’s fortunes around in the final batch of games.