BENDIGO Spirit partied into the new year with a rousing 12-point win over fellow WNBL title contenders Townsville Spirit last night. In the final clash of the 2025 calendar year, the ladder leaders extended their gap on the rest of the field with the 73-61 triumph.

Bendigo Spirit (73) def. Townsville Fire (61)

It was billed as a box office clash, and while the Spirit made sure it was far from close throughout the first half, the Fire did come back late in the game and show some fight. In front of 3800 people at Townsville Entertainment Centre, Bendigo brought in the new year with a hard-fought victory and further evidence it is the team to beat for the title.

From the opening tip-off the Spirit were switched on, racing to a 22-14 lead at quarter time and never giving the Fire a chance to get in front. Over the course of the first three quarters, Bendigo got out to a 20-point lead, and lead by 18 at the last change, before a nice 11-point run from Townsville reduced the damage. The Fire finished the game with a 15-9 fourth term to get within 12, though it was too little, too late in Far North Queensland.

Veteran and skipper Kelsey Griffin racked up a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, as well as four assists, two steals and a block. Megan McConnell (17 points, seven assists and six rebounds) was huge across the four quarters, while the talented Isobel Borlase continued her fine form with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists, albeit with six turnovers.

Olivia Pollerd (11 points, five rebounds) and Kelsey Rees (16 points, three of four from three-point range) contributed as well in a well-balanced performance from the Spirit. Bendigo shot at a far higher clip from inside and outside the arc, recording a massive 54.2 per cent from three-point range, while also hitting 46.4 per cent from inside the arc. The Spirit also won the rebound count by five (43-38), however the ladder leaders will seat on the result of a knee injury to Lauren Cox who went down late in the first quarter.

For the Fire, Miela Sowah (16 points, five rebounds and three assists) and Alexandra Fowler (15 points, eight rebounds) were shining lights in an otherwise frustrating day, with the remaining players shooting 10/44 from the field. Lucy Olsen (nine points, four rebounds) hit three triple, while Chantel Horvat (eight points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals) worked hard defensively.

The match closes Round 11 of the WNBL season, with Townsville Fire next playing on Sunday when they head to Adelaide to face the Lightning, before a quick turnaround for a Tuesday night battle with Geelong Venom. Bendigo Spirit pack their backs to head to Sydney where they will take on the Flames at Qudos Bank Arena on Monday.