THE BENDIGO Spirit have moved one step closer to the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) title for season 2024/25, after defeating the Sydney Flames by nine points in game one of the semi-final series over the weekend.

The series opened at Red Energy Arena on Sunday afternoon, with the Spirit entering the clash as favourites after a dominant campaign. Bendigo won 18 of its 21 games throughout the season, good enough to finish at the top of the table. On the other hand, the Flames finished in fourth spot after locking in a postseason spot in the penultimate round of the fixture.

Although Sydney delivered a valiant performance, the Spirit ended up winning their first finals game in 10 years, and are now just one win away from the Grand Final Series.

Bendigo Spirit (76) def. Sydney Flames (67)

Despite entering the game as underdogs, it was Sydney that got out to a hot start, jumping out to a 13-6 lead in the first quarter. It would have given the Harbour City some hope in a tough matchup, but unfortunately the momentum did not last long. The Spirit went on a whopping 21-2 run to snatch control of the match and lead by 12 at the first change.

The second quarter was all one-way traffic as Bendigo continued to dominate heading into halftime, with three players (Sami Whitcomb, Veronica Burton and Marianna Tolo) all in double-digits by the main break. Heading into the second half, the Spirit held a whopping 23-point lead, leaving the Flames with plenty to do.

Despite losing star Shaneice Swain to a knee injury in the second quarter, the Flames came out firing after the main change, outworking and outplaying the Spirit to cut the deficit to single-digits. However, the home side’s dominance in the first half gave them a hefty cushion, and despite Sydney’s best efforts, the visitors fell nine points short of the upset.

The Spirit were more efficient from the field and long range, but it was their work in transition and on the offensive boards that gave them the upper hand. Bendigo won the fast break points (15-6) and second chance points (14-3) to truly gain first half ascendancy over the Flames, who did make the opposition pay with 19 points from turnovers.

Recently crowned WNBL MVP Whitcomb was at her brilliant best once again, posting a double-double of 26 points (which was also a game-high figure) and 11 rebounds. She continues to be the most dangerous player in the finals, and showed exactly why in game one.

Burton was also a seriously good contributor for the Spirit in their nine-point win, posting 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, playing a crucial role in getting her side out to a match-winning lead in the second quarter.

For the Flames, Tahlia Tupaea led the way on the scoring front with 16 points, while Cayla George was her usual reliable self with 15 points and seven boards in a gutsy effort.

The series now moves to game two tomorrow night, where the Flames will be looking to keep their season alive, while Bendigo eyes a spot in the Grand Final series.