Bendigo cracks the ton as young guns fire

Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women put on an impressive display in their last regular season home game, in front of a big crowd at Red Energy Arena on Saturday night.

Bendigo hit the first 12 points against the Melbourne Tigers, and led 32-6 at quarter time. Cassidy McLean’s huge season continued with 10 points in the first period.

Another nine by McLean in the second quarter saw Bendigo extend its lead to 51-23, as the young Tigers outfit upped their physical presence.

Bendigo continued on its merry way in the third, and the fourth started with two big McLean threes, pushing the lead out to 50.

The last five minutes was scrappy from both sides, except for a final-second highlight that brought the huge crowd to its feet.

16-year-old Livinia Cox, in only her second NBL1 South game, hit a buzzer beater from one step over the half way line, to cap off a remarkable night.

Cox joined fellow young Braves Caitlin Richardson, Maddison Ford, Charlotte Beaven, Taylor Stibbe, and Erin Condron for quality minutes on the floor ahead of the finals series. 

Bendigo ran out comfortable winners 100-52, with McLean (29) putting in another performance worthy of NBL1 South Player of the Week.

Megan McKay and Abbey Wehrung (13), Kelly Wilson (11) , Maddie Sexton (10), and Richardson (nine) were the other main contributors on the scoreboard.   

Coach Mark Alabakov said despite the score line, the Tigers set his team a number of challenges they rose to.

“Playing such a young team as Melbourne, you have to be prepared for the unexpected,” he said.

“We had to ensure we maintained our standard throughout the game, and I think we did.

“Pressure was another thing we focused on. We ended up with 22 points from turnovers and 24 fast-break points, which suggests that worked.”

Alabakov was also full of praise for the Bendigo crowd on Saturday night.

“It was massive. I totally noticed a difference. You could feel the energy,” he said.

“It was probably the biggest crowd I have seen in my time coaching here.

“I can’t wait to see everyone come out during the finals.”

Bendigo finishes its regular season with a double-header on the road next weekend, against Kilsyth on Saturday night and Ballarat on Sunday afternoon.

Photo credit - Akuna Photgraphy