Spirit trio combine for 63 in win over Flames

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‍‍Bendigo Spirit defeated Sydney Flames 80-64 at Quaycentre in front of 1,086 fans. Three Spirit players combined for 63 points in an outstanding offensive display.

Key Details

• Result: Bendigo Spirit 80 def. Sydney Flames 64
• When: Thursday, 28th November 2025
• Where: Quaycentre, Sydney
• Attendance: 1,086
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Megan McConnell (Bendigo Spirit) starred with 21 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals in 33 minutes.
• Unique Thompson (Sydney Flames) scored 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 27 minutes.

What Happened

The Spirit established early dominance with a commanding 26-13 first quarter that set the tone for the entire contest. Sydney responded with improved offense in the second period, outscoring Bendigo 19-16, but still trailed 42-32 at halftime. The Flames continued their momentum in the third quarter, winning the period 24-13 to cut the deficit to just five points entering the final frame.

However, Sydney's challenge completely collapsed in the fourth quarter, managing just eight points while Bendigo exploded for 25 to seal the comprehensive 16-point victory. The Spirit controlled the game for over 33 minutes compared to Sydney's brief three minutes and 50 seconds of leadership, demonstrating their superiority throughout most of the contest.

Bendigo's balanced offensive attack proved unstoppable, with three players reaching exactly 21 points. Megan McConnell dominated both ends of the floor with an exceptional double-double performance, shooting an efficient 8-from-17 from the field including 3-from-6 from downtown. Olivia Pollerd was outstanding with her 8-from-14 shooting display, connecting on five triples from 10 attempts. Isobel Borlase completed the trio with a superb 7-from-15 field goal performance and perfect 5-from-6 free throw shooting.

For Sydney, Unique Thompson provided a solid foundation with 14 points on efficient 6-from-14 shooting, while Isabelle Morgan contributed 12 points off the bench with impressive 4-from-9 field goal accuracy including 2-from-5 from deep. Captain Lauren Nicholson added 11 points despite struggling with her shot selection, connecting on just 4-from-9 attempts including 3-from-4 from beyond the arc.

The Spirit's superior ball control proved decisive in the victory. While Sydney struggled to control the ball with 19 turnovers, Bendigo committed just 12 miscues and capitalised with 12 steals compared to the Flames' five. Bendigo's 40% three-point shooting (12-from-30) significantly outclassed Sydney's poor 30.77% accuracy from downtown (8-from-26), highlighting the difference in offensive execution.

Defensively, Bendigo's rim protection was exceptional with four blocks compared to Sydney's two, while their 42.5% field goal shooting eclipsed the Flames' disappointing 35% accuracy. Despite Sydney marginally winning the rebounding battle 48-41, they couldn't overcome their poor shooting and excessive turnovers against a disciplined Spirit defence that forced difficult shots throughout the contest.