The comeback Queens split weekend results

The Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women are making a habit of chasing down large deficits this NBL1 South season, and it nearly happened again on the weekend – twice.

Fronting up against the Diamond Valley Eagles at Red Energy Arena on Saturday night, Bendigo went in as clear favourites, but were in trouble early.

The Eagles’ hit three after three over Bendigo’s new zone defense in the first quarter, going into the first break 33-27 up and shooting at 63 per cent from beyond the arc.

There haven’t been too many sides score 33 points in a quarter against a Mark Alabakov-coached team at this level, and half-way through the second term that number was 52 as the Eagles extended their lead to 18.

But as they have done all season, Bendigo fought back, playing tough and exciting basketball to go into the half only 55-58 down.

Amy Atwell hit 15 in the second quarter and had 20 at the half, as Bendigo’s pace up and down the court started taking its toll on the Eagles’ bigs.

The third quarter was a physical one, with neither side giving an inch, and the Eagles’ lead down to just two at the final break.

A Kasey Burton layup levelled the scores in the first 40 seconds of the last quarter, before key steals from Bendigo, and a 10-3 run off the back of stunning Kelly Wilson assists and Cassidy McLean running, saw Bendigo home 105-92, with 33 points of their own in the last term.

Atwell was unstoppable with 34 points and four steals. McLean ended with 22 points, Alex Wilson 22, and Burton 13.

Kelly Wilson scored yet another triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists.

It was an early start for Bendigo the next day as they travelled all the way down to the coast for an early Sunday morning game against top-four side Sandringham.

Another slow start from Bendigo (2-10) was erased with quality transition basketball and world-class key penetration from the Braves.

Bendigo went into quarter time 20-21 down and with some momentum, but Sandringham hit the three-point trigger early in the second term, while Bendigo struggled from beyond the arc.

Bendigo was down 39-44 at half time, a deficit that stretched to 16 midway through the third quarter.

An 11-0 run brought Bendigo back to within striking distance, the lead down to seven at the final break.

A thrilling last quarter and a white-hot Atwell saw Bendigo get back to within two in the final minute, before the Sabres settled, Bendigo going down 84-82 with an Alex Wilson two on the buzzer.

Atwell finished with 33 points and Alex Wilson 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography