A BRAVE effort by the Bendigo Spirit has come up short of victory against WNBL championship contenders Canberra.
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The Braves, who were seeking to snap an eight-game losing streak, pushed the reigning champions all the way on Saturday night, but ultimately fell 66-76 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
Bendigo had no answer for one-time Braves star Keely Froling, who stepped up in the absence of 2018-19 league MVP Kelsey Griffin, to scorch the Spirit with a career-high 30 points.
Froling, who spent the 2016 SEABL season with the Braves, finished with 10 rebounds to record a double-double, as the Capitals rebounded from a tough home loss to Southside Flyers last weekend.
It was the second loss in three days for the 2-12 Spirit after they succumbed to the Sydney Uni Flames 81-88 at Bendigo Stadium on Thursday night.
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The Spirit now find themselves on the longest losing streak in club history following nine-straight losses.
It was a disappointing end to a milestone game, with star point guard Kelly Wilson marking her 200th game for the Spirit.
A four-time WNBL championship player, including two with the Spirit in 2012-13 and 2013-14, Wilson finished the match with a remarkable six steals, to go alongside her six points and seven rebounds.
Forward Demi Skinner top-scored for the Spirit with 15 points and added five rebounds, while Abbey Wehrung came off the bench to score 13 points.
Carley Ernst, who celebrated her 200th game on Thursday night against the Flames, led all players with 11 rebounds.
The Spirit were never at any stage out of the contest and were tied with the second-placed Capitals with four-minutes remaining in the third quarter, after trailing by eight points at half time.
A bottom-of-the-table clash against Townsville Fire awaits the Spirit next Saturday at Bendigo Stadium.
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