BREAKING: The Bendigo Spirit dominated the Perth Lynx with a resounding 87-58 victory today, marking a special celebration for Marianna Tolo and Kelsey Griffin as they played their 250th games. The win, achieved at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, was fueled by standout performances, particularly from Izzy Borlase, who scored 26 points and made four steals.
Borlase’s performance was pivotal as she recorded her fifth game this season with over 20 points, showcasing her status as the league’s second-highest scorer. “It was an incredible team effort,” Borlase stated after the game, emphasizing the emotional weight of the match.
The afternoon was particularly poignant for Tolo and Griffin, who shared the court as best friends. Tolo contributed 10 points along with five rebounds, while Griffin added seven points and 11 rebounds. Griffin reflected on their journey, saying, “It took a faithful broken finger to put us on the same track for the game record,” highlighting the resilience and bond they share.
“It really touched us to our core, and everyone was emotional,” Tolo said, expressing gratitude for the team’s support.
The Lynx faced challenges throughout the game, particularly with their three-point shooting, converting only 17 percent of attempts. Coach Ryan Petrik acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “A big portion of our roster hasn’t played a lot of basketball over the winter.” He added that they are adapting to a new system as star forward Brianna Turner filled in for Han Xu, who was completing international commitments.
Perth’s inaccuracy cost them dearly, as they fell to third place on the ladder, now sitting at 5-3. They struggled to bounce back after a promising start, manufacturing a 10-4 run before Borlase rallied Bendigo. The Spirit surged ahead to lead 37-33 at halftime, and by the end of the third quarter, the Lynx could only muster 10 points, trailing by 17 into the final period.
Looking ahead, the Lynx are set to regroup and will face the UC Capitals next week, where they hope to regain momentum. Meanwhile, Bendigo improves to 5-2, riding high on this significant win and the emotional milestone for Tolo and Griffin.
This match not only highlights individual achievements but also underscores the unity and spirit of the Bendigo team, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
