MVP candidate Sami Whitcomb puts on show

• Sami Whitcomb reinforces 2024-25 MVP credentials
• Bendigo halt two-game losing skid
• Scott Ninnis loses first game as Lightning head coach

WNBA and Australian Opals star Sami Whitcomb ended this one early as the Bendigo Spirit routed the Adelaide Lightning 95-67 (Game Centre) at Bendigo Stadium on Friday, December 27, 2024.

The 36-year-old Seattle Storm guard poured in 15 points in the first quarter, a couple of assists, and three steals to propel the Spirit, smarting from a loss to Perth and an upset loss to Southside Flyers, to a 24-13 first quarter lead, from there on it was pretty much over.

The Spirit is now 10-2 and remain at the top of the ladder.

Scott Ninnis' coaching honeymoon is over along with Adelaide's three-game winning streak.

The onslaught continued in the second quarter, as Kelsey Griffin took over inside. The veteran forward scored 12 of her game-high 23 points in the period, helping push the Spirit's advantage to 52-33 at halftime. Griffin's efficient 8-from-15 shooting and 14 rebounds were emblematic of Bendigo's dominance on both ends.

Adelaide showed signs of life in the third quarter behind the hot hand of Isobel Borlase. She had 10 of her team-high 18 points in the period as Adelaide briefly cut the deficit to 15. But Bendigo weathered the storm, with Marianna Tolo anchoring the defence and Abbey Wehrung draining timely threes to keep the visitors at bay.

The Spirit's depth and balance were on full display, with five players scoring in double figures. Whitcomb stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, nine assists, and three steals, while Tolo chipped in 13 points and three blocks. For Adelaide, Borlase and Isabelle Bourne (14 points) provided bright spots, but the Lightning simply couldn't match Bendigo's firepower.

The lopsided result was reflected in the stats, as Bendigo dominated nearly every category. Most glaring was the massive 54-37 rebounding advantage, led by Griffin's 14 boards. The Spirit also tallied 27 assists to Adelaide's 21, showcasing their crisp ball movement and unselfish play.

For Adelaide, the loss drops them to 5-7 and into a precarious position in the playoff race. Ninnis will need to regroup his squad quickly, as the Lightning face a crucial home-and-away set against UC Capitals (Game Centre) on Friday, January 3, 2025 and Perth Lynx (Game Centre) on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Bendigo plays the last WNBL game of 2024 against the 6-4 Townsville Fire (Game Centre) on the road on December 31, 2024.