Borlase Brilliance Lifts Spirit Past Flames in Round 3 Win

Isobel Borlase has produced another standout performance to lead the Bendigo Spirit to their biggest win since February, defeating the Sydney Flames 88–75 at Red Energy Arena on Sunday.

Just days after a 20-point outing on Tuesday night, the 20-year-old guard was unstoppable again, posting 26 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in a complete two-way display that powered Bendigo to a 2–1 start to WNBL26.

The Spirit trailed early but blew the game open after halftime, outscoring the Flames 48–39 in the second half to cruise home in front of their home crowd.

Megan McConnell added 21 points and eight assists, while veteran Marianna Tolo chipped in 18 points and eight boards in another polished all-around performance.

“We made 13 turnovers in the first half, and for me the most satisfying thing was the adjustment we made in the second half,” coach Kennedy Kereama said. “We did a phenomenal job of moving up without the ball and finding great balance in our pick-and-roll.”

Kereama also praised Borlase’s maturity and drive. “She has ambitions to play at the absolute highest level possible, and it’s well within her reach,” he said.

Sydney, meanwhile, slipped to 1–3 after a third consecutive loss, once again undone by cold shooting. The Flames missed 46 shots from the field and went 34 per cent overall as they struggled to convert despite another strong showing from star guard Lauren Nicholson.

Nicholson poured in 27 points, including 16 in the third quarter, to keep the Flames within reach, while new import Olivia Epoupa (10 points, nine rebounds, three steals) provided hustle and pace in just her second game with the club.

“To give up 48 points in the second half was too much — that’s where the game was lost,” coach Guy Molloy said post-game. “Our level of cohesion is about a two or three out of ten right now. We’ll grow through it, but it’s not where we need to be.”

Bendigo started with energy through Borlase and Kelsey Griffin, converting Sydney’s early misses into transition points to take a five-point lead at quarter-time. The Flames closed the gap before the half, but Bendigo’s tempo and shot selection after the break proved decisive.

Once Borlase and McConnell caught fire in the third term, the Spirit were never seriously threatened.

The result marks Bendigo’s second straight win heading into Round 4, while Sydney will look to regroup as they chase greater consistency and rhythm on offence.

Final score: Bendigo Spirit 88 defeated Sydney Flames 75.