The Bendigo Spirit scored their first win of the WNBL season with a hard fought 67-60 victory over Canberra at Bendigo Stadium on Saturday.
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The Spirit overcame a slow start and a later rush from the Capitals to win by seven points.
Capitals star Abbey Bishop threatened to blow the Spirit away with a stunning first term.
The Capitals' centre had fives points and nine rebounds in the first term alone as the Capitals surged to a seven point lead.
Led by Gabe Richards, Kristi Harrower and Chelsea Aubry, the Spirit turned the game on its head with a brilliant second term.
From seven points down, the Spirit led by as many as nine in the second term before settling for a four point lead at half time.
The Spirit continued their good form to jump out to a 13-point lead.
However, the Capitals responded strongly to get within six points at the last change.
The Spirit battled to shake off the Capitals in the final term.
Two three pointers from bishop saw the Capitals cut the margin to just three points with two minutes remaining.
The Spirit's defence proved to the difference in the final two minutes with the Capitals failing to beat the 24 second shot twice.
A basket from Sarah Blicavs and free throws from Belinda snell iced the game for the home side.
Richards was outstanding for the Spirit, with 20 points and eight rebounds.
Snell (7 points and 7 assists) and Harrower (6 points and 8 assists) were instrumental in the win.
Bishop finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Capitals.
The Spirit back up against Melbourne Boomers in Melbourne on Sunday, while they are back at home this Thursday against Dandenong.