Bendigo WNBL Champions in fairytale finish - Mar 10, 2013
The fairytale is complete. Bendigo Spirit are the WNBL Champions for the first time in the clubs history, defeating a galant Townsville Fire 71-57 today in Bendigo.
Playing in front of a 2800 strong home crowd, the Spirit lived up to the hype that had surrounded them for most of the season after finishing on top of the ladder with a 21-3 record in one of the most dominant seasons in WNBL history. A season that also saw WNBL crowds up by 30%.
Led by their courageous and adored captain, the little general Kristi Harrower (166-PG-75), the Spirit outmuscled the Fire who came into the match attempting to be just the second team in WNBL history to win a premiership from fourth place.
As the final buzzer sounded Kristi Harrower embraced father and coach Bernie as tears of joy flowed for the team that has become the pride and joy of the Bendigo community.
This is just the most unbelievable feeling, said the four-time Olympian as she realised the enormity of claiming the historic title.
Last year we didnt even know if we would be around this season, but we all worked so hard and dug so deep. We were written off before the start of the season, but we just have such a massive self-belief and here we are today, this is a culmination of what we have worked so hard for.
As she has all season, Harrower led the Spirit with authority and was one of her teams best along with Gabe Richards, but the Grand Final MVP was deservedly awarded to import Kelsey Griffin (188-F-87, college: Nebraska) who was dominant with 20 points and 11 rebounds in a stunning display after what has been an outstanding debut season.
Although they claimed the match by 13 points, it wasnt until mid-way through the final quarter than Bendigo was able to take a breath.
The game started with both teams appearing to have left any Grand Final nerves behind, but it didnt take long for the home side to rise to the occasion in front of a vocal home crowd that did their best to create a cauldron-like atmosphere.
Both teams blocked well but the stats recorded whilst an equal amount of shotshad been taken it was Bendigo that surged ahead with a 50% scoring record compared to Townsvilles 29%.
The home team was energised by a 13-0 stretch in middle of quarter led by Griffin who ran the floor and worked the boards with boundless energy, taking the Spirit to the first break with a seven point lead.
A three point bomb at the start of the second from Chelsea Aubrey extended Bendigos lead to ten as the Spirit looked to maintain the upper hand and shut Townsville down. A worrying sign for the Fire saw work-horse captain Rachael Flanagan earn her third personal foul and she left the court as New Zealand import Micaela Cocks took over the point guard duty.
With their backs against the wall, the lead could have got away for Bendigo who had control of most of the quarter but Townsvilles fighting spirit came to the fore. It may habe been coincidence but as Bendigo captain Kristi Harrower took a break, the momentum seemed to shift. Townsvilles offensive game lifted and they scored six unanswered points before Harrower returned to the court as the Fire came to within four points.
11 points from Griffin and 8 from team big Gabe Richards saw the Sprit go into the half time break with a 32-27 score line.
A frenetic start to the third quarter saw the Townsville Fire step up and reign the match to within 2 points as Bendigo surrendered three team fouls in the first three minutes. As Townsville Captain Rachael Flanagan remained on the bench it was the teams spiritual leader Jess Foley (182-G-83, college: Duke), playing her last game in the WNBL who stepped up, scoring 7 points to take Townsville to 2 points of Bendigo 36-38.
Just when Townsville looked to start to control proceedings, the Spirit responded with back to back baskets and a run of 8 points to take the lead back to double figures for the first time since the second quarter.
Momentum then swung well and truly Bendigos way and was capped off by a monster three pointer from Chelsey Aubrey with 5 on the clock to take the home team into the final break with an 11 point lead.
The final quarter left Townsville with a mountain to climb but no one would write off a team who had downed Adelaide and Dandenong on its way to the title game.
Defence was the key as both teams were determined to make the other earn their baskets. In testament to their defensive efforts, no points were recorded until four minutes into the final term.
Again it was Griffin who was tireless, scoring the first 7 of Bendigos points as they extended their lead to 12.
A highlight of the match and particularly on show at the start of the final quarter was the match-up between Townsvilles Jessica Adair (193-C-86, agency: LBM Management, college: G.Washington) and Bendigos Gabe Richards who used all their strength and size in a body clash that displayed all their athleticism and talent.
As the clock counted down the 2800 crowd rose to their feet to applaud both sides in what was an outstanding display from both teams and a wonderful advertisement for the Australian Womens Basketball which has firmly established itself as one of the best leagues in the world.
Top scorers for Bendigo: Kelsey Griffin 20 points, 11 rebounds; Gabe Richards 20 points, 8 rebounds; Kristi Harrower 11 points, 5 rebounds; and Chelsea Aubrey 11 points, 5 rebounds.
Top scorers for Townsville: Jessica Adair 11 points, 10 rebounds Jess Foley 11 points, 3 rebounds). Courtesy of: https://www.wnbl.com.au
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