Bendigo continues to answer every challenge

The Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women have extended their winning streak to nine, with two more impressive NBL1 South wins on the weekend.

Without Opal Tess Madgen for the round, Bendigo travelled to Nunawading on Saturday night and encountered some strong resistance from the Spectres.

Up by only two points at the final break, Bendigo held firm to their structure and process, running out winners 82 to 70. Four players hit double figures for Bendigo, with Megan McKay (24), Abbey Wehrung (21), Cassidy McLean (20), and Kelly Wilson (10)

continuing their unbelievable season.

Wilson made an astonishing 12 assists for the night, opening up the game for Bendigo when it was needed.

Bendigo then hosted the Hobart Chargers at Red Energy Arena on Sunday afternoon.

It was a points bonanza for both teams, with Bendigo hitting 65 in the first half, winning 111 to 81.

Points were again spread for Bendigo. McKay (28), Wehrung (27), Wilson (18) and Maddie Sexton and McLean (17) dining out in offense.

Wilson was again phenomenal with the dimes, with 13.

Coach Mark Alabakov couldn’t be prouder of his team and how they are shaping up for the last two games of the year.

“This was our first game for a while without a big piece of our ecosystem,” he said.

“I am super proud of the resilience we showed. During the week we talked about mindset and how to respond to challenges.

“Nunawading led by nine at one stage, but we stayed solid with the system and followed it through.”

Alabakov singled out McLean and Wehrung for their games, and the influence of Madgen and Wilson throughout the season.

“Cass has been incredible. She is one of the best in the country as a specialist defender, but she also has the ability to be really aggressive and score,” he said.

“We spoke about the fearless Cass, and we saw it again this weekend, 

“We have also seen the influence of Tess and Kelly on Cassidy over the past 18 months, and on players like Abbey Wehrung.

“Tess and Kelly’s influence competitively, their resolve, and their solutions-oriented lens has embedded itself into this team. It has created a readiness for response.

“Kelly’s leadership on and off the floor this week was remarkable, as it is most weeks. She is the best point guard I have seen in my time involved with the WNBL or NBL1.”

Red Energy Arena will host another couple of huge games on Saturday evening, when Bendigo takes on Mount Gambier.

The Pioneers are second on the Men’s ladder and third on the Women’s. The Women tip off at 5pm and the Men 7pm. 

Photo credit - Akuna Photography