Bendigo Women uncompromising in home win

Uncompromising defense and dominance inside the key propelled the Champions IGA Bendigo Braves Women to yet another NBL1 South win on Sunday afternoon.

Taking on the Nunawading Spectres at Red Energy Arena, Bendigo’s game plan was clear from the start – huge pressure on the ball carrier and fast transition offence.

Led by Cassidy McLean, Alex and Kelly Wilson, Amy Atwell, and Meg McKay, Bendigo jumped out to an 18-4 lead in the first quarter. The quartet of guards was ruthless, with seven steals resulting in 12 first-quarter points.

And McKay had 12 points herself in the first five minutes.

The Spectres got the lead back down to 10 by crowding the key and double and triple-teaming McKay in the second quarter.

But the tall was still able to score 10 points for the term with her world-class above-head catching a standout.

Nunawading’s focus inside gave more freedom to Bendigo’s outside shooters in the second quarter, with Kelly Wilson turning back the clock from beyond the arc.

At the main break, Bendigo was up 59-35, creating 15 turnovers and 13 steals.

An even third term made way for a 26-17 final quarter as Bendigo ran out comfortable winners 107-75.

Six players hit double figures for the game, led by McKay with 33 points. Astonishingly, McKay was 100 per cent from the field, her only blemish for the afternoon one of her eight free throws.

Kelly Wilson had 18 points and eight assists, Alex Wilson 15 points and seven assists, and McLean 14 points and six steals.

Amy Atwell’s last game before heading off for a WNBA trial saw her hit 13 points, and Caitlin Richardson again showed her class coming off the bench, with 10 points.

And the stats only kept getting better. Bendigo hit 56 points in the paint to 28, forced 22 turnovers (17 steals) and had 21-0 fast break points in an outstanding all-round effort.

Bendigo takes on Sandringham at home on Saturday night, and hosts Ringwood on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash.

Photo - Craig Dilks Photgraphy