A 12-nil run at the start of the second quarter was to be the catalyst to Bendigo’s incredible victory against a rival which had won seven of the eight battles between the clubs.

Although the Spirit was on its home court and had impressed in last weekend’s winning double in Canberra, the Lightning started favourite in the week six contest.

Spirit star Kristi Harrower racked up 33 points, which included four three-pointers, as the team’s confidence soared the longer the contest went.

Adelaide led 23-18 at quarter-time, but the Bernie Harrower-coached Spirit quickly turned the contest in dramatic fashion.

Bendigo’s spirited and hardworking defence was matched by outstanding play from beyond the three-point arc, or in the key.

Led by the play of Samantha Woosnam and Angela Marino, Lightning fought back to be within four points at half-time.

The Spirit built on its lead in the third as it continued to outpoint the much taller Lightning line-up in the rebounding duels.

The fourth quarter was to be one of the most impressive in the Spirit’s history.

At one stage, Bendigo had scored 12 points and Adelaide had added just one.

Cheered on by the vocal fans, the Spirit poured in 28 points in the final term.

By the final buzzer, Bendigo led 89-66.

Harrower’s stats were 33 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Lauren King scored 17 points and Kelly Wilson added 14 in the spree.

Spirit won the rebounding duels, 42-33, with Jasmine Finnigan, seven, and Jane Chalmers, six, playing crucial roles at either end.

Lightning’s best were Woosman, 18 points and 10 rebounds; Cayla Francis, 17 points and nine rebounds; and Rebecca Duke, 11 points.

The Spirit will be back on its home court next Saturday night to play Dandenong Rangers from 7.30pm.