Bendigo’s perfect start continues

A massive second half defensive effort saw the Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women stretch their unbeaten run to 10 at Diamond Valley on Saturday night.

The NBL1 South ladder leaders jumped out of the blocks early, with a 17-8 lead in the first five minutes on the back of fast transition plays and Amy Atwell threes.

Missed shots and Diamond Valley’s strong rebounding saw the lead evaporate over the next three minutes, with Bendigo pushing back and going into the first break up by only two, 21-19.

The Eagles continued to hurt the Braves on the boards, regaining the lead early in the second quarter.

Bendigo wrestled it back, up 45-42 at half time, while also wrestling an offensive rebound count of 2-12.

But the Eagles would grab only two more offensive rebounds for the game as Bendigo’s hustle defense took over and its class showed at the offensive end.

The Braves’ pushed their lead out to 65-57 at three quarter time, and a 24-11 final term saw Bendigo cruise home 89-68.

Bendigo’s defensive domination showed on the stats sheet as well as the scoreboard, with the Eagles shooting only two free throws for the entire night.

Diamond Valley had 30 points in the paint in the first half, before Bendigo held them to just 10 in the last two quarters.

Atwell’s stunning season continued with 30 points, and Meg McKay was again dominant inside with 26 points and nine rebounds.

Cassidy McLean’s toughness at both ends was outstanding, scoring 11 points, and Kelly Wilson recorded double-figure assists yet again with 10.

Coach Mark Alabakov praised his team for the way it responded in the second half.

“We were never really out of control, but we took our foot off the pedal with our focus and our concentration for full defensive possessions at times,” he said.

“We had a conversation in the break about that and the team responded well.

“Diamond Valley had 14 turnovers, three assists, and no free throws in the second half. We made life hard for them.

“It’s good to know when things go a little pear shaped we don’t react, we respond.”

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography