Posted on 31 May, 2010

Despite 29 points and 11 rebounds from Deanna Smith, the Swinburne Lady Cobras were unable to avenge their early season loss to the Braves and saw Dandenong and Launceston leapfrog them on the ladder.

With both teams playing the night before this game was always going to be up for grabs during the first half.  Bendigo got the jump in a high scoring opening term with the Lady Braves taking a 23-20 into the first break.

Kilsyth pick up the defensive efforts in the second term and behind Smith’s offensive exhibition the Swinburne Lady Cobras outscored the Lady Braves 18-12 for the quarter to take a three point half time lead.

Both teams only had two players scoring in double figures with Alice Kunek (12pts, 7rbds) and Smith for Kilsyth and Kelly Wilson (15pts) and Gaberielle Richards (10pts, 9rbds) for Bendigo.

The team with the most even spread of scorers was always going to win this match.

A balanced team effort saw Kilsyth in the drivers seat with three minutes to go in the third term.  The Swinburne Lady Cobras had built a nine point lead and looked as if they could put Bendigo away.

But an 11-0 run to end the third term put Bendigo back in the match and gave them the momentum going into the fourth quarter.

Both teams went basket for basket in the final term with the margin never greater than four. Kilsyth took the lead with three minutes to play but Bendigo made some big stops down the strech to outscore Kilsyth 7-2 in the final minutes and record the win.

The Swinburne Lady Cobras will now face Albury at home on Saturday 5 June 2010 at 6.15pm.  A win is a must to keep in touch with the top three.