Bendigo Spirit and Townsville Fire emerged victorious in the first round of the Australian Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) semifinals, setting the stage for thrilling matchups as they vie for spots in the grand final.
On Sunday, the Bendigo Spirit claimed a hard-fought 76-67 victory over the Sydney Flames, positioning themselves just one step closer to the championship series. The Spirit's star performer, Sami Whitcomb, shone brightly, leading her team with remarkable skill by scoring 26 points and securing 11 rebounds, effectively orchestrated their offense throughout the game.
Whitcomb's performance was particularly electrifying during the first half, where she netted 20 points, propelling Bendigo to overcome an early deficit. Initially trailing by seven points, the Spirit unleashed a stunning 21-2 run, turning the tide of the game and establishing their dominance by the end of the first quarter.
Fans at Red Energy Arena witnessed the Spirit maintain momentum, as they extended their lead to over 20 points. After sustaining the initial pressure, the Flames faced even more hurdles when key player Shaneice Swain went down with a knee injury, significantly hampering their chances of mounting any serious comeback.
"It's super exciting to be a part of this and you can tell the fans who showed up were really excited about the moment too," Whitcomb expressed to the Nine Network, reflecting on the team's victory and its significance for the long-starved franchise, marking their first finals win in 10 years.
The Spirit’s next challenge looms as they prepare for the second game, slated to take place on Thursday night, where they will look to seal their spot in the grand finals against the same Sydney Flames.
Meanwhile, Townsville Fire also took the spotlight Saturday night, defeating the Perth Lynx 92-87, showcasing the fierce rivalry between these two teams. This match was not only action-packed but also highlighted standout performances from both sides, particularly from Townsville's Nia Coffey, who tallied 36 points, showcasing her scoring proficiency and leading her team to victory.
Coffey's remarkable performance included making six three-pointers, achieving an impressive shooting percentage of 86 percent from beyond the arc. Her scoring prowess was pivotal as she engaged in a personal battle with Perth's Ally Wilson, who also had a career-high performance with 32 points and nine assists.
The Lynx, having secured home-court advantage with a thrilling overtime win over the Fire during the regular season, had hoped to leverage their familiar surroundings. They fought valiantly, overcoming an 11-point deficit late, even briefly taking the lead with just two minutes remaining. Yet, Townsville unleashed their own 8-2 run, sealing the game late and confirming their formidable standing as they head toward game two.
The spirited intensity was palpable throughout the match, not only between the two rival teams but also on the court as both sides battled for supremacy. Townsville's Courtney Woods and Alexandra Fowler added fuel to the Fire's success, contributing 17 points with 10 assists and 14 points with six rebounds, respectively.
For the Lynx, Laeticia Amihere and Anneli Maley were standout contributors, but it just wasn't enough to fend off Townsville's charge. "We fought back from 11 points down, but we couldn't hold on at the end," Wilson lamented post-game, reflecting on the hard-fought nature of the contest.
With game two of the Townsville vs. Perth matchup scheduled for Wednesday night, both teams now prepare furiously to battle once again. On the other hand, Bendigo waits with eager anticipation to reclaim the court against Sydney, hoping to capitalize on their previous win.
The stakes couldn't be higher, and both semifinals of the WNBL promise more action as teams fight for their chance at ultimate victory. The grand final is within reach; who will seize the day?