Aussie icon says Izzy Borlase is 'WNBA-ready'

• Borlase pours in game-high 29 points against Geelong Venom.
• Bendigo Spirit control contest from opening tip to final buzzer, first team with 10 wins this season
• Spirit dominate the glass and score efficiently inside the arc.

When Australian basketball icon Michele Timms says you're ready for the WNBA listen.

Timms, who is the Naismith Hall of Fame, WNBL Hall of Fame and FIBA Hall of Fame, said Bendigo Spirit and Australian Opals star guard Isobel Borlase has developed into a WNBA-level scorer.

Borlase, 21, was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2024 with the 20th pick. She led the defending champions Bendigo Spirit to a composed 77–71 road win over Geelong Venom at Geelong Arena on Saturday, December 13, 2025 in Round 9 of WNBL26.

Timms, 60, made the assessment from the commentary box as Borlase poured in a game-high 29 points on an ultra-efficient 11-of-18 shooting, adding eight rebounds and repeatedly punishing Geelong’s defensive coverages across all four quarters.

Her scoring set the tone as Bendigo raced to a 26–17 first-quarter lead and steadily built separation through the middle of the game, taking a 61–48 advantage into the final period.

While Geelong mounted a late push, outscoring Bendigo 23–16 in the fourth quarter, the Spirit neve r surrendered control. Kelsey Griffin was instrumental alongside Borlase, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Megan McConnell added 13 points and five assists to keep Bendigo organised under pressure. The Spirit’s dominance on the glass (44–32) and efficiency inside the arc (52.9 percent on two-point attempts) proved decisive.

Shyla Heal led Geelong with 26 points, supported by Mackenzie Holmes (15 points) and Jazmin Shelley (14 points, four assists), but Bendigo’s early authority and Borlase’s scoring consistency ensured the result. The Spirit led for 39:47 of the contest and never trailed, underlining their control from opening tip to final buzzer.

Bendigo are the first team to 10 wins this season, they are 10-2 while the Venom are bottom at 3-9.

Townsville are top of the ladder at 9-1 with two games in hand against the Spirit.

Key Details

• Result: Bendigo Spirit 77 def. Geelong Venom 71
• When: Friday, 13th December 2025
• Where: Geelong Arena, Geelong
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit) starred with 29 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes.
• Shyla Heal (Geelong Venom) scored 26 points and had three rebounds, three assists and one steal in 33 minutes.

What Happened

Bendigo Spirit established early control and never relinquished their lead, dominating Geelong Venom from the opening tip. The visitors opened with a commanding 26-17 first quarter before extending their advantage to 44-32 at halftime. Spirit continued to apply pressure in the third period, outscoring Venom 17-16 to take a 61-48 lead into the final quarter.

Geelong mounted a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Bendigo 23-16 in the final period to cut the deficit significantly. However, the early damage proved too substantial as Spirit held on for the six-point victory despite the late charge from the home side.

Isobel Borlase delivered a masterful performance for Bendigo Spirit, shooting an efficient 9-from-13 from two-point range and adding 2-from-5 from beyond the arc. Her 69% shooting from the field, combined with a perfect 5-from-7 from the charity stripe, anchored Spirit's offensive attack throughout the contest.

For Geelong Venom, Shyla Heal kept her team competitive with an impressive 26-point display, shooting 50% from the field including 3-from-6 from downtown. Mackenzie Holmes provided solid support with 15 points on 50% shooting, while Alex Sharp contributed 12 points and nine boards in a valuable all-round effort.

Bendigo's superior shooting efficiency proved decisive in securing the victory. Spirit shot an outstanding 52.94% from the field compared to Venom's 43.18%, while also connecting on 45.45% of their three-point attempts versus Geelong's poor 25% from deep. The visitors also dominated the boards 44-32, with Kelsey Griffin pulling down 11 rebounds to lead all players.