Bendigo sits atop after important win

The Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women lept to the top of the NBL1 South ladder at home on Saturday night, extending their unbeaten run to seven.

Bendigo was all over the Kilsyth Cobras from the very start at Red Energy Arena, with centre Megan McKay dominating with 12 of her team’s 19-first quarter points.

It had to be an inside game early, with neither side hitting a three-point shot in the first term, despite putting up 10.

Bendigo’s 19-10 quarter-time lead extended to 42-23 at the half, on the back of the Braves’ rebound domination. Bendigo pulled down an amazing 12 offensive rebounds in the first half, giving their scorers multiple opportunities.

The Braves’ dominance continued in the third quarter, with strong defense the catalyst for Bendigo’s 59-35 lead.

The first half of the last quarter was something to behold, with Bendigo going on a 19-0 run and putting the full stop on an amazing night with a 34-7 final term.

Bendigo ran out winners 93-42 in a performance for the ages.

McKay finished with 26 points in only 26 minutes on the court. Amy Atwell (19 pts) and Cassidy McLean (12 pts) were the other leading scorers.

Kelly Wilson kept the stats bench busy yet again, with eight points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals.

The team stats also told a story. Bendigo won them all, including rebounds 56-39 and points in the paint 52-28.

Coach Mark Alabakov said his team’s focus was on defense, and he was happy with the commitment to the scout.

“We were physical, applied smothering ball pressure, and made Kilsyth have to play rushed and uncomfortably, which resulted in holding them to 42 points,” he said.

“On the back of our defense, we were able to punish them on the scoreboard when we forced a turnover or a rushed shot that we rebounded.

“Kilsyth was top five in the league in rebounding and offensive rebounding. We held them beneath their average by being alert on the flight time of shots and boxing out.”

The 51-point margin gave Alabakov an opportunity to get valuable minutes into his young brigade.

Caitlin Richardson (16 minutes, 4 points), Erin Condron (13m, 6pts), Poppy Blanch (10m, 8pts), Lavinia Cox (6m, 6 points), and Jessica Mangan (7m) all impressed.

“I loved the contribution of our emerging Braves players,” he said.

“They're training well and all in the process of trying to have that translate to games with self-belief.

“We've all believed in them, and it was so rewarding to see the likes of Poppy, Caitlin, Erin, Jess, and Liv all play with conviction and intention and do well.”

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography