BEING up against the in-form Townsville Fire brought out the best in the Australia Pork Bendigo Spirit in Sunday night's Women's National Basketball League clash at West Bendigo Stadium.
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A match between the league's top two this season and grand finalists of the past two seasons lived up to the high expectations.
Scores were locked on 47-all as Spirit and Fire took to the court for the start of the final quarter.
Bendigo's defensive intensity clicked to another gear as Fire was held to just eight points.
At the other end of the court, Spirit had plenty of contributors as they went on to achieve a 66-55 victory.
The win capped a superb weekend after Bendigo won Saturday night's match on the Sydney Flames court by 12 points.
"This weekend was season-defining," Spirit coach Bernie Harrower said of the club's run for a title hat-trick.
"Townsville is on top of the ladder and Sydney is vying for fourth spot.
"Both matches were high stakes."
Against the Fire it was Kelsey Griffin who led the way with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Captain Kelly Wilson, 11 points; Gabe Richards, 10; Heather Oliver, nine; and Sara Blicavs, eight, all played key roles.
"Although we only scored 66 points, the effort to keep a talented team like Townsville to 55 was excellent."
Harrower was also rapt with Spirit's finish to both contests.
"In our six losses this season our fourth quarters have been poor.
"The last quarter against Sydney and then against Townsville were back to the way Spirit can and always try to play," said the long-time basketball coach.
Bendigo won the last term in Sydney, 30-24, and followed up at home, 19-8, against Fire.
In the league standings, Townsville Fire leads the way on 15-4 from Bendigo Spirit, 14-6; Dandenong Rangers, 12-7; and Canberra Capitals, 10-10.
Bendigo Spirit is back at home for next Sunday's riound 16 match against Melbourne Boomers.
Tip-off is at 2pm.
