THERE were some big scores posted across Round 3 of the 2024/25 season in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) over the weekend, with teams starting to find some cohesion on the offensive end.

The round delivered no shortage of entertainment, from huge individual efforts to game-winners on the buzzer, there were a lot of memorable moments over the span of Wednesday and Sunday as the fixture continues steaming forward.

Each week, Rookie Me Central will be recapping the week’s play in the WNBL, putting each game under the microscope and what the results mean for the season moving forward.

Sydney Flames (71) def. by Bendigo Spirit (90)

The Spirit continued their red-hot start to the season by notching up yet another win, this time defeating the Flames by 19 points at Quaycentre in the first game of the round on Wednesday night. Bendigo set the tone from the opening term, taking an 11-point lead into the first change. At half time, the visitors held a 20-point buffer and had essentially put the game to bed. Although it was a tighter affair in the second half, the damage was already done and the Spirit cruised to victory to remain unbeaten.

As has been the case in every Bendigo match, Sami Whitcomb led from the front with a terrific offensive showing, posting a team-high 23 points (8/16 FG), six rebounds and five assists. She had plenty of help from Marianna Tolo (21 points, eight rebounds) and Casey Samuels (20 points, six rebounds), while Shaneice Swain was Sydney’s best with a game-high 25 points.

UC Capitals (90) def. by Perth Lynx (92)

The Lynx were able to snatch victory at the death against the Capitals, emerging two-point winners courtesy of a buzzer-beater from Anneli Maley at AIS Arena on Thursday night. Despite trailing heading into the fourth quarter, Perth rallied to take the lead and seemingly pull off the road win. However, a 6-0 run from the Capitals that culminated in a Nicole Munger triple tied up proceedings. In the final possession of the game, Maley put up a tough fadeaway from the baseline that remarkably found the bottom of the net, giving the Lynx a memorable victory.

Although Maley was the hero, her match-winning moment came at the end of a tough night from the field, posting just seven points on 3/10 shooting. Instead, Laeticia Amihere was Perth’s best across all four quarters, posting a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds on 10/12 shooting from the field. For the Capitals, Jade Melbourne and Nyadiew Puoch each posted 20 points and almost got their side to a maiden victory for the season.

Geelong United (72) def. Adelaide Lightning (66)

In an overtime thriller, Geelong United secured their second win in the WNBL after outlasting the Lightning to claim a six-point win at Geelong Arena on Saturday night. Things looked dire for United for most of the match, trailing by 10 points heading into the fourth quarter, but Geelong restricted the visitors to just seven points in the final 10 minutes. Daniel Raber forced overtime with a clutch triple with 14 seconds on the clock, and in the extra period, United proved too good.

Once again, Keely Froling led Geelong with another towering performance, posting a team-high 19 points and 13 rebounds as she continues her strong start to the season. Also impressing for the victors was Elissa Brett, who came off the bench to post 14 points. Young gun Isobel Borlase was unsurprisingly Adelaide’s best with 17 points and five rebounds.

Townsville Fire (76) def. by Bendigo Spirit (84)

The matchup of the round lived up to the hype, with the Spirit outplaying the Fire at Townsville Entertainment Centre on Saturday night. Bendigo stormed out of the gates to take an eight-point lead at the first change, before the Fire returned serve to make it a one-point game at half time. The final term proved decisive, with the Spirit outscoring the home side 20-14 to seal the result and remain unbeaten from three rounds.

Whitcomb continued her case for MVP favoritism early in the season with another game-breaking performance, showing she does not plan on slowing down any time soon. The veteran delivered another 30 points on 10/16 shooting from the field along with six rebounds and seven assists. She was consistent across all four quarters and is the form player of the competition.

Southside Flyers (98) def. UC Capitals (77)

In their only match of the round, the Southside Flyers delivered an emphatic performance to defeat the Capitals by 21 points at State Basketball Centre on Sunday. It was an even start to the game, with the Capitals’ fast style of play paying off in the first quarter. However, Southside controlled the remainder of the match, showing excellent ball movement to break away in the second period and never look back from there.

The Flyers had several key contributors, with Naz Hillmon proving the standout with 24 points (8/12 FG) along with nine rebounds, while Rebecca Cole had a double-double of 12 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Melbourne was again impressive for the Capitals and fought valiantly despite the loss to finish with 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.