Frenemies: Izzy Borlase shows Lightning new Spirit

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Friends off the court but fierce rivals on it is how Bendigo Spirit star guard Isobel Borlase and former Adelaide Lightning teammate Tayla Brazel described Isobel Borlase's return to Adelaide for the first time since leaving the club for the defending champions in country Victoria.

The Spirit held Adelaide at arms length for most of the contest, to win their fourth game in six 82-74 in Round 5 in against the Lightning on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

"I feel like Steph (Talbot) went right at me from the get-go, so that was just a reminder of what it used to be like at trainings," Borlase said.

"But yeah, I try not to think about who they are, ’cause obviously we want to win the game.

"I feel like I just kept pushing (tonight).

"I feel like I have been scoring quite a bit in the first half, and then it kind of stagnates.

"It’s not all about stats, but I feel like just the group collectively, we just kept pushing.

They got on a run in the first quarter and we came together, got some inside touches and as a group we came out after a loss (in Perth) and we showed the league that we can back up wins — that’s exciting.

"There’s lots of people here who I’ve known for a really long time here to support me, so it’s been really nice.

"It was actually a bit nervous, to be honest. Going up against friends, I don’t really like doing so.

"But it was nice to get the win and it was good to see everyone."

Borlase finished with game-high 24 points, while adding 11 rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes.

"Obviously (we're) great friends off the court but when it comes to playing each other, I’m certainly locked in and just trying to do my job for the team regardless of who it is," Brazel said.

"And even if it’s Izzy, I maybe even want to give even the extra kind of push around because it’s a good friend and I kind of want to show like, hey — you know, she kinda left us — so you know, give her a little push around in a way.

"But no, definitely just… it’s the same game plan no matter who it is, no matter if they’re friends or they’re not friends."

Key Details

• Result: Bendigo Spirit 82 def. Adelaide Lightning 74
• When: Monday, 18th November 2025
• Where: SA State Basketball Centre, Adelaide
• Attendance: 1,326
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit) starred with 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals in 33 minutes.
• Sania Feagin (Adelaide Lightning) scored 22 points and had four rebounds in 30 minutes.

What Happened

The Spirit established early control, leading 25-19 after the opening quarter before extending their advantage to 45-36 at halftime. Bendigo's balanced offensive attack and superior shooting efficiency proved decisive throughout the contest.

Bendigo maintained their momentum in the third period, outscoring Adelaide 22-15 to take a commanding 67-51 lead into the final quarter. Despite a spirited fourth-quarter rally from the Lightning, who outscored the Spirit 23-15 in the final period, it proved too little, too late.

Isobel Borlase was outstanding for the visitors, shooting an efficient 9-from-13 from two-point range while perfect from the charity stripe at 6-from-6. Her all-round contribution included five assists and three steals, making her the catalyst for Bendigo's balanced team effort. Kelsey Griffin provided excellent support with 18 points and 12 boards, while Marianna Tolo added 15 points and six rebounds in a stellar frontcourt performance.

For Adelaide, Sania Feagin was on fire offensively, connecting on 10-from-13 attempts from inside the arc for a superb 76.92% shooting display. Dallas Loughridge contributed 19 points but struggled from downtown, managing just 2-from-7 from three-point range. Captain Steph Talbot added 12 points and six assists in a solid all-round showing.

Bendigo's superior shooting was the defining factor, particularly from two-point range where they shot an outstanding 64.29% compared to Adelaide's solid 52.5%. Both teams struggled from deep, with the Spirit connecting on just five triples at 23.81% while the Lightning managed six from 25 attempts for a poor 24%. The visitors also dominated the boards 40-34, with Griffin and Borlase combining for 23 rebounds between them.

The Spirit controlled the game flow for over 31 minutes compared to Adelaide's seven minutes and 56 seconds in front. Bendigo's largest lead reached 22 points, showcasing their dominance throughout the contest. Both teams struggled to control the ball equally, each recording 17 turnovers, while the Spirit's superior ball movement resulted in 17 assists compared to Adelaide's 14.