Amazing comeback the weekend highlight

A remarkable comeback and two vintage Kelly Wilson performances were the highlights as the Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women split their NBL1 South double-header on the weekend.

Without Meg McKay and with stars Alex Wilson and Amy Atwell still recovering from jetlag, Bendigo started slowly against Casey at Red Energy Area on Saturday night.

Down 11-30 at the first break, Bendigo was struggling to convert offensively, and Casey was dominating the rebound count.

Casey’s lead increased by five in the first two minutes of the second quarter, before Jess Mangan was introduced, sparking enthusiasm at both ends.

Kelly Wilson and Caitlin Richardson were on a mission in the second term to drag Bendigo back into the game, Wilson with eight points and four assists for the quarter as the Braves reduced the lead by four at the main break.

Whatever coach Mark Alabakov said to his team during half time worked, big-time.

Atwell hit a three to start the quarter and Bendigo took over, keeping Casey scoreless from the floor for the term.

The Cavaliers’ only points for the quarter came from four free throws, as Bendigo put on 25 and took control.

Everyone stepped in the second half, with Kasey Burton proving impenetrable in defense, Alex Wilson and Atwell finding their shots, and Cassidy McLean making remarkable hustle plays at both ends, often during the same transition.

The remarkable last half saw Bendigo run out winners 90-78. Kelly Wilson ended the night with 19 points and 11 assists, Alex Wilson 18 points and nine rebounds, and McLean 17 points and nine rebounds.

Yet another quick turnaround saw Bendigo travel to Dandenong without Alex Wilson on Sunday to take on a side that included WNBA recruit Nyadiew Puoch.

Bendigo led 26-21 at the first break, with scores level at the main change in a high-quality game.

Bendigo ran out of legs as the game went on, going down 78-90. Wilson put in yet another stunning performance, with 21 points and nine assists.

McLean (17 points), Atwell (16), and Burton (12) were the other main scorers.

Alabakov said the weekend was another example of his side coming to terms with the absence of McKay, especially in defense.

“Because we’re doing things that are the polar opposite of how we’ve ever played before, there is going to be a growth curve,” he said.

“We tried to mix in some zone defense on Saturday night and that made us a bit passive rather than disruptive.

“We talked about it half time and it was like flicking a switch.

“For us at the moment it’s a matter of time and getting reps under our belt.”

Alabakov was full of praise for Kelly Wilson, as well as young guns Richardson and Mangan.

“Kelly has organically been more aggressive at the scoring end to take up some of the slack without having Meg,” he said.

“Caiti just comes in and has big energy. She is an exceptional floor-runner, and her reaction time is so quick.

“Jess Mangan was also great on Saturday night. Her and Caiti had 15 points between them, which was really important.”

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography