Kelsey Griffin propelled the Bendigo Spirit to a hard-fought 77-73 victory against the UC Capitals on Sunday, further intensifying the Capitals’ struggles this season. Griffin, a two-time champion with the Capitals, recorded her first double-double of 2026, scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
The Capitals, who have only one win against the top three teams in the WNBL, faced a critical opportunity to demonstrate their competitiveness. Instead, they succumbed to their sixth loss in eight matches, falling to a record of 8-12. The Spirit’s victory improves their standing to 16-4, now just one win behind the league-leading Townsville Fire (17-4).
The game took place at the AIS Arena, where Griffin faced a chorus of boos from the crowd, yet her performance was instrumental in securing the win for Bendigo. Coach Kennedy Kereama praised her ability to excel in challenging situations, stating, “I’m always in awe of a lot of the stuff she does. She just plays in the moment and rises to all occasions.”
The Capitals initially led the game with a score of 15-11 at the end of the first quarter, thanks in part to Opal Zitina Aokuso’s contribution of 22 points and six rebounds. However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter as Griffin and Olivia Pollerd combined their efforts to give the Spirit a six-point lead at halftime.
Izzy Borlase, who has been in strong form with 75 points over her last two games, added 23 points to the Spirit’s total. Abbey Wehrung also made her mark with eight points and three steals.
As the game progressed, Jade Melbourne, returning from hand surgery, provided a spark for the Capitals, recording eight points, seven assists, and three steals. Despite their efforts, the Capitals struggled to maintain composure in the final quarter, allowing Bendigo to seize control with a crucial 9-0 run midway through.
Paul Goriss, the Capitals’ coach, reflected on the team’s performance, emphasizing the need for consistency as the season reaches its climax. “You’ve got to be playing good basketball at this time of the season. It’s just a level of consistency over the 40 minutes,” he stated.
With this result, Bendigo Spirit continues to apply pressure on the Townsville Fire for the top position in the league. The Capitals remain in fifth place, unable to secure a win that would have given them a buffer above the Southside Melbourne Flyers (8-11). As the playoff picture begins to take shape, the competition intensifies, making every game crucial for teams vying for a chance at the championship.
