NEW Bendigo Bank Spirit import Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe has continued to open eyes across the Women's National Basketball League.
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The Canadian Olympian has earned her first league player of the week nomination after a pair of dazzling performances in wins against Dandenong and Townsville on the weekend.
Raincock-Ekunwe recorded double-doubles in both victories, averaging 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Against Dandenong on Friday night, she kick-started Bendigo with nine points, two rebounds, two assists and a block in the opening term before finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds as the Spirit won by nine points.
With Gabe Richards moved into the starting line-up, Bendigo’s formidable front court of Raincock-Ekunwe, Kelsey Griffin, Richards and Nadeen Payne coming off the bench thrashed the Rangers on the glass, recording a 41-23 advantage in rebounds.
They also tallied 16 offensive boards as a team, four of which were pulled down by Raincock-Ekunwe and helped the side score 13 second chance points.
The Canadian was in hot form on Sunday against the reigning champion Fire in Townsville.
She tallied seven points in the first period, five of which came inside the first three minutes before finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 12-point win.
Shooting 4-6 from the field, Raincock-Ekunwe continually forced the Fire to foul her but her impressive stroke was showcased from the charity stripe as well where she hit 6-8 for the contest.
Facing the impressive front court of Suzy Batkovic and Kayla Standish, the Spirit forwards were again decisive in the rebound battle with a 52-33 overall edge and 17 offensive boards leading to 14 second chance points.
The third leading scorer in the league, Raincock-Ekunwe also sits fourth for rebounds and looms as the key to Bendigo’s chances of returning to the playoffs this season.
She is a certain inclusion in the WNBL team of the week when it is announced tomorrow, her second selection in the first four weeks.