OneFortyOne Pioneers Prepare For Challenging Road Double-Header Against Bendigo And Eltham

The OneFortyOne Pioneers head into this weekend’s road double-header with a 5-4 record as they prepare to face the Bendigo Braves and Eltham Wildcats in two important NBL1 South matchups.

Bendigo enters the weekend with a 3-5 record but remains dangerous offensively, particularly at home where the Braves average 96.5 points per game while shooting over 51 per cent from the field and 43 per cent from three-point range. Their offensive firepower is led by Olivia Pollerd, who is averaging 24.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5 per cent from the floor and 41.7 per cent from long range.

Experienced point guard Kelly Wilson continues to orchestrate the Braves offence at a high level, averaging 14 assists per game alongside 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds. Jessica Smith also provides another perimeter threat with 12.4 points per game while shooting nearly 38 per cent from beyond the arc.

The Braves have shown they can score heavily when in rhythm, however defensive consistency has been an issue throughout the season, conceding 85.8 points per game and allowing opponents to dominate the glass with a +8.6 rebounding margin against them.

For the OneFortyOne Pioneers, controlling transition defence and limiting Bendigo’s outside shooting will be crucial in the opening game of the road trip.

The challenge only grows tougher on Sunday against an in-form Eltham Wildcats side currently sitting at 8-2 and among the strongest teams in the competition.

Eltham has built its success on balance across the floor, averaging 85.8 points per game while holding opponents to just 72.8 points per contest. The Wildcats also enter the weekend with a +13 scoring margin and strong rebounding numbers.

Lil Dart has been one of the competition’s standout performers, averaging 22.3 points, 4.8 assists and shooting 37 per cent from three-point range. Rebecca Pizzey has also been dominant inside with averages of 13.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, while Mackenzie Smith adds another scoring option at 11.9 points per game.

The Wildcats’ depth has been a major strength throughout the season, with multiple players capable of stepping up offensively, particularly in their away fixtures where Eltham averages over 90 points per game.

The OneFortyOne Pioneers will look to continue their strong start to the season as they chase important wins on the road against two quality opponents in the NBL1 South competition.

FIXTURE

Saturday 16 May – vs Bendigo Braves
📍 Red Energy Arena, Bendigo
⏰ Women: 5:30pm | Men: 7:30pm (AEST)

Sunday 17 May – vs Eltham Wildcats
📍 Montmorency Secondary College
⏰ Women: 12:30pm | Men: 2:30pm (AEST)