McConnell elite from deep as Spirit hold off Flyers

• McConnell erupts for 22 with elite 4-of-5 three-point shooting.
• Borlase fills the stat sheet with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
• George and Rocci keep Southside close but Flyers’ offense fades late.
• Bendigo’s 15–0 run proves decisive in tight WNBL26 contest.

The Bendigo Spirit claimed an impressive road win at the State Basketball Centre, pulling away late to defeat the Southside Flyers 75–67. In a tight contest with seven lead changes and both teams trading momentum swings, Bendigo’s fourth-quarter execution proved the difference as they outscored the Flyers 28–23 in the final term.

Bendigo Take Control Late

Bendigo led for more than 31 minutes, but the margin remained close for much of the night. After an even first half (29–26 Bendigo), both teams produced identical 18-point third quarters to set up a decisive final period. The Spirit’s defensive pressure forced Southside into late turnovers, and their transition scoring repeatedly broke the Flyers’ rhythm.

Bendigo’s major push came behind a 15-0 run, the biggest scoring burst by either team, giving them enough separation to close the game confidently.

Standout Performances – Bendigo

• Megan McConnell delivered a superb all-around game with 22 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and a blistering 4-of-5 from three, plus 7 rebounds.
• Isobel Borlase was relentless, scoring 20 points, grabbing 8 boards and dishing 5 assists while going a perfect 8-of-8 from the line.
• Kelsey Griffin added 15 points and 8 rebounds, providing trademark physicality and leadership in crunch time.
• Captain Abbey Wehrung contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, hitting three from deep.

Bendigo shot 48.6% from the field and hit nine triples, while winning the turnover battle 10–13.

Flyers Rely on Veterans, But Fall Short

Southside was once again carried by their leaders:

• Cayla George posted a monster 18 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists in 37 minutes, keeping the Flyers competitive throughout.
• Maddi Rocci matched her with 18 points and 6 assists, despite 4 turnovers.
• Isabelle Bourne (10 points, 4 rebounds) and Tera Reed (9 points, 5 rebounds) provided supplementary scoring.
• Rookie Makenna Marisa chipped in 7 points and solid defensive work.

But Southside’s shooting let them down. They went 8-of-30 from three (26.7%) and struggled to generate efficient half-court looks against Bendigo’s physical defence.

Key Numbers

• Time in Lead: Bendigo 31:20 – Southside 7:05
• Rebounds: Southside 43 – Bendigo 39
• Assists: Southside 16 – Bendigo 12
• Turnovers: Bendigo 10 – Southside 13
• Biggest Lead: Southside +11 – Bendigo +10

Key Details

• Result: Bendigo Spirit 75 def. Southside Melbourne Flyers 67
• When: Saturday, 7th December 2025
• Where: VIC State Basketball Centre, Victoria
• Standings

What Happened

The Spirit controlled the majority of the contest, leading for over 31 minutes compared to the Flyers' seven minutes of advantage. After a tight opening quarter that saw Bendigo take a narrow 17-14 lead, both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the second period, with each side managing just 12 points. The Spirit maintained their slender three-point advantage at the main break, setting up an intriguing second half.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Bendigo began to establish some breathing room, extending their lead to 47-40 entering the final period. The Spirit's biggest scoring run of 15 points during this stretch effectively put the contest beyond doubt, despite the Flyers' desperate attempts to mount a comeback.

McConnell was exceptional for the victorious Spirit, shooting an efficient 5-from-9 from two-point range and connecting on an outstanding 4-from-5 from beyond the arc. Her 80% three-point shooting was instrumental in Bendigo's offensive success. Isobel Borlase provided excellent support with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, demonstrating her all-around ability with a perfect 8-from-8 performance from the charity stripe.

For the Flyers, George's double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds highlighted her dominance in the paint, though her 2-from-9 three-point shooting reflected the team's struggles from deep. Maddi Rocci matched George's 18-point output but shot a disappointing 27% from the field, connecting on just 3-from-11 attempts. The Flyers managed only 27% from three-point range (8-from-30), significantly hampering their offensive flow.

The Spirit's superior shooting efficiency proved decisive, with Bendigo connecting on 49% of their field goal attempts compared to the Flyers' 43%. From downtown, the Spirit shot a solid 32% while limiting their turnovers to just 10 compared to Southside's 13. Bendigo's balanced scoring attack, featuring four players in double digits, showcased the depth that ultimately secured the eight-point victory and strengthened their position in the WNBL standings.