No Madgen, no Wilson, no worries

Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women Coach Mark Alabakov has described Saturday night’s win against Mount Gambier at Red Energy Arena as one of the best in the club’s history.

With Tess Madgen still on Opals duty, and Kelly Wilson missing with illness, Bendigo defeated the in-form third-placed Mount Gambier 81-78 in a stunning game.

Bendigo was down by 10 at quarter time, on the back of a remarkable Mount Gambier shooting display. The Pioneers led 26-16 at the first break, with 24 of those points coming from beyond the arc.

But Bendigo hit back, as they have done all season, to be down by only one at half time. The third quarter was a slugfest, with the finals-bound teams getting physical with each other at both ends of the court.

The resilience that has served Bendigo so well all season came to the fore when it mattered most. Vital free throws from Cassidy McLean, and a key layup by Bendigo debutant Caitlin Richardson, in the stretch, saw Bendigo get home 81-78.

McLean was a standout offensively all night, ending with 26 points and seven rebounds.

Abbey Wehrung took the game up to Mount Gambier at important times, finishing with 20 points and a number of key defensive plays.

Megan McKay put in yet another Opals-worthy performance, with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Maddie Sexton (10 ) and Richardson (8) showed the future of the franchise is well and truly bright, with strong games.

Alabakov said with Madgen and Wilson out, his focus turned to team effort.

“We were exemplary,” he said.

“That win was up there with the all-time wins. We were without two of the best players in the competition against a team that clearly belongs in the top two or three.

“A year ago we wouldn’t have won that game. The growth in this team is in its mindset of competitiveness.”

He praised Wehrung and McLean, for quality performances at both ends of the court.

“Abbey’s competitive drive has come ahead in leaps and bounds this year, and she has become more vocal,” Alabakov said.

“And that rubs off on players like Caitlin Richardson, who got her first minutes on Saturday night.

“Richo did some really important things for us in defense, shot a couple of threes and made a big layup for us at the right time.”

Bendigo hosts the Melbourne Tigers at Red Energy Arena on Saturday night. The Women tip off at 5.30pm the Men 7.30pm.

Photo - Akuna Photography