Spirit Hang on to Outlast Venom in a Tense Tuesday Night Battle

The Bendigo Spirit finally broke through for their first win of the WNBL26 season, surviving a fourth-quarter scare to edge the Geelong Venom 62–55 in a scrappy, hard-fought contest at Red Energy Arena on Tuesday night.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty — and for Bendigo coach Kennedy Kereama, it was exactly the kind of test his new-look side needed.

The reigning champions went more than nine minutes without a field goal across the third and fourth quarters, watching a comfortable lead slip as Geelong’s defensive pressure and Mackenzie Holmes’ inside dominance closed the gap. But when it mattered most, the Spirit steadied.

Rising star Isobel Borlase was Bendigo’s spark plug, pouring in 20 points to claim Player of the Game honours. Olympic centre Marianna Tolo provided the backbone with 16 points, nine rebounds and veteran composure when the game hung in the balance.

Holmes was immense for Geelong, bullying her way to 30 points and 12 rebounds in a commanding individual performance before fouling out in the final minutes — a turning point that allowed Bendigo to regain control.

Geelong’s aggressive full-court press frustrated the hosts, holding them to just nine points in the third quarter. But the Venom couldn’t capitalise late, missing crucial free throws and fading as Bendigo rediscovered its rhythm.

“The second half was terrific,” Venom coach Chris Lucas said. “To hold an experienced team like that to 22 points — that’s something to build on. But 10-of-18 from the line just isn’t good enough at this level. It cost us the game.”

Despite the grind, the win gives Bendigo momentum heading into a critical stretch, while Geelong — still adjusting without import Alissa Pili — showed enough fight to suggest they’ll be a handful once at full strength.

The Spirit now host the Sydney Flames on November 2, while the Venom return home to face the Perth Lynx on November 1 at Geelong Arena.

Final score: Bendigo Spirit 62 defeated Geelong Venom 55.