Spirit star Isobel Borlase puts on absolute show

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Isobel Borlase:

• ‍Points: 42 │ Rebounds: 5 │ Assists: 6 │ Steals: 1 │ Blocks: 0 │ Turnovers: 2 │ FG: 12–18 (66.7%) │ 3PT: 6–9 (66.7%) │ FT: 12–12 (100.0%) │ Minutes: 37:30

Print it out, put it in a frame.

MVP-in-waiting Borlase detonated for career-high and season high 42 points as Bendigo Spirit had every answer for Southside Melbourne Flyers 98-88 at Selkirk Stadium in the rescheduled WNBL26 clash in Ballarat on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

She didn't need a heat check, Borlase was on-fire fro the get-go.

Key Details

• Result: Bendigo Spirit 98 def. Southside Melbourne Flyers 88
• When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
• Where: Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat
• Standings

By the Numbers

Bendigo Spirit

• Abbey Wehrung – 16 points, 4 threes
• Kelsey Rees – 10 points, 5 rebounds
• Kelsey Griffin – 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals

Southside Flyers

• Cayla George – 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
• Nya Lok – 19 points on perfect 4/4 from two
• Isabelle Bourne – 18 points on 7/7 from two

What Happened

The Spirit established an early advantage with a composed 20-18 first quarter performance, setting the foundation for what would become a back-and-forth contest. The Flyers responded emphatically in the second period, outscoring Bendigo 27-26 to briefly seize momentum and level the contest at halftime. The third quarter proved pivotal as Bendigo regained control with a 25-20 scoring run, creating a cushion they would protect through the final period.

Isobel Borlase delivered one of the season's most dominant individual performances, shooting an exceptional 12-from-21 from the field, including a stellar 6-from-9 from downtown. Her perfect 12-from-12 performance from the charity stripe was the exclamation point on a masterful offensive display. Abbey Wehrung provided crucial support with 16 points on outstanding shooting, going 6-from-9 overall and 4-from-7 from deep.

The Flyers mounted a valiant effort led by their veteran trio of Cayla George, Nya Lok, and Maddy Rocci. Lok was particularly efficient, shooting a perfect 4-from-4 from two-point range and connecting on three-of-four attempts from beyond the arc. George battled hard in the paint despite facing constant double-teams, while Rocci contributed across multiple categories with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Bendigo's superior three-point shooting proved decisive in the 10-point victory. The Spirit connected on 15 triples compared to the Flyers' 10, with their 53.57% accuracy from deep significantly better than Southside's 47.62%. The home side also dominated the boards, out-rebounding their opponents 37-26, including an eight-to-four advantage on the offensive glass that created crucial second-chance opportunities.

The entertaining contest featured 17 lead changes, highlighting the competitive nature throughout. Bendigo's biggest lead reached 15 points during their strongest run, while the Flyers managed to stay within striking distance for most of the evening. The Spirit's ability to maintain composure during crucial moments and execute their offensive sets consistently proved the difference in securing the victory.