BENDIGO Bank Spirit's slim WNBL finals chances have been extinguished after a crushing away loss against Canberra Capitals.
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As has been the case in many of their 11 losses this season, the Spirit were made to pay the price for one hapless quarter.
This time around it was the third term when the Spirit were outgunned by their rivals.
Leading 43-36 at half time, Canberra pressed home their advantage by outscoring the Spirit 24-4 for the quarter to lead by 27 points at the final break.
There would be no repeat of the remarkable effort to nearly claw back a 25 point deficit against Townsville Fire the previous week, with the Capitals cruising to a 77-52 win.
The loss means the Spirit will miss the finals for the second year in a row for only the first time in their 10-year history.
Their assignment had been made even tougher on Friday night, with Townsville shoring up its claim on a final spot with an 83-66 win over Dandenong Rangers.
They were, however, thrown a line the following night when top side Sydney Uni Flames defeated Dandenong, creating a scenario whereby the Spirit could reach the finals with wins in their three remaining matches, coupled with a Rangers loss to Perth Lynx next week.
But that possibility was taken out of their hands by a slick Capitals team which has pulled ahead of the Spirit on the ladder by one win.
Capitals guard Abby Wehrung inflicted maximum damage on the Spirit, top-scoring with 18 points.
Opals star Marianna Tolo had a big game with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocked shots and two steals, while Kate Gaze was productive off the bench with 13 points.
The Capitals got other good contributions off the bench through Jazmin Gwathmey (eight points, seven rebounds) and former Bendigo Lady Brave Kely Froling (seven points, four rebounds).
Back-up guard Heather Oliver led the Spirit with 12 points. Her fine effort included three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Kelsey Griffin (11 points, four rebounds) and point guard Blake Dietrick (10 points, three assists, three rebounds) were the only other Spirit players to reach double figures.
The loss continued a disappointing month and a half for the Spirit, who were sitting second at the Christmas break with a 10-5 record.
They have two more matches to round out the season, including a home fixture against Perth next Sunday at 3pm.
