Bendigo Spirit return to action this weekend for a thrilling round three rematch with the Melbourne Boomers.
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During round two the Spirit clinched a nail-biting 63-58 five-point win over the Boomers.
Spirit head coach Tracy York said it was bound to be a challenging game once tip off arrives on Sunday night.
"I've said to the girls that Melbourne will have a different approach in comparison to the last match," York said.
"All we can do to ensure we are prepared is focus on ourselves and on what we can do to improve as a team.
"Even if they come out and shoot the first five three-pointers, that's just part of the game and we will be ready to compete against whatever is in front of us."
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After the round two win over the Boomers York praised the team's improved defence and relentless energy at both ends of the court.
"Our defence was great for the entire game and we showed competitiveness in terms of diving on loose balls," she said.
"Since the win it's been a bit of a break game-wise but we've been training throughout and planning non-stop.
"It has given the team the confidence that we can compete with the league heavyweights."
The Boomers' all star roster includes Eziyoda Magbegor, Cayla George, Tess Madgen and Lindsay Allen all who have either WNBA or international experience and know how to excel on the basketball court.
The way the Spirit were able to deal with the Boomers' pressure is testament to the team's ability to shutdown tough opponents and individually control top players.
"The pressure from the Boomers was there which led to the scores being quite close towards the end of the match," York said.
"We then steadied the match and got the win on the board which shows how well the Spirit can respond to late challenges on the court."
One major change for the Spirit will see the addition of two-time WNBL Champion Alex Wilson making her debut at Sunday's match at the Bendigo Stadium.
Wilson comes to the Spirit with double championship experience - 2015 with Townsville and 2017 with Sydney.
Most recently the 25-year-old from Murray Bridge was in action with Adelaide in the 2020 season where she averaged 11.3 points per game.
"Alex is a versatile player who is mobile and can fit in almost anywhere on the court," York said.
"I have watched her play in the NBL1 Central this season quite closely and see the poise, skill level and elite three-point shooting she possesses."
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