Bendigo Spirit upset ladder-leading Sydney Flames in WNBL

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 07:43 · Archive

Bendigo Spirit defeated Sydney Flames 97-70 in their first win of the WNBL season, with returning MVP Izzy Borlase scoring 22 points.

Bendigo Spirit defeated ladder-leading Sydney Flames 97-70 at the Red Energy Arena on Saturday, securing their first win of the season with the biggest upset of the campaign. The last-placed Spirit won every quarter, dominating their high-flying opponents throughout.

Reigning league MVP Izzy Borlase made an immediate impact in her first game back after playing for Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals, scoring 22 points. Star guard Jade Melbourne was instrumental with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. For Sydney, Jaz Shelley contributed 18 points and Isabelle Bourne 15, but the Flames struggled with their shooting, hitting just 24 of 74 field-goal attempts despite having 16 more attempts than Bendigo.

Bendigo led 17-13 after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 46-32 by halftime. The Spirit's dominance continued in the third quarter, when they went on a 24-2 run to lead 70-46 heading into the final period. Spirit coach Kennedy Kereama praised his team's defence, describing the result as shaking off a long streak of losses and promising further improvement.

How it is being reported

• Borlase makes timely WNBL return as Spirit douse FlamesBendigo Spirit have thumbed their nose at the form guide, securing their first win of the season with a thumping upset of the ladder-leading Sydney Flames.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 07:08
• Borlase makes timely WNBL return as Spirit douse FlamesBendigo Spirit have thumbed their nose at the form guide, securing their first win of the season with a thumping upset of the ladder-leading Sydney Flames.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 07:08

In this story: Bendigo Spirit · Sydney Flames · Izzy Borlase · Jade Melbourne · Kennedy Kereama · Jaz Shelley · Isabelle Bourne · Atlanta Dream

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