Round 7 DrinkWise Game Preview

WHEN: Sunday 30 November, 2025
TIME: 12.30pm AEDT
WHERE: Red Energy Arena, Bendigo
TICKETS: Available via Ticketek

The Bendigo Spirit will be carried home to the Red Energy Arena by a steady momentum after collecting their third consecutive win on Friday night. Preparing to take on the Adelaide Lightning for the second time this November, the focus on celebrating Marianna Tolo and Kelsey Griffin’s 250^th games milestone will be front and centre.

In their first match of Round 7 the Spirit displayed grit and expert play, fighting back against a strong Sydney Flames side, with 2025 NBL1 MVP Unique Thompson (14 points, 10 rebounds) holding the Spirit off in a thrilling third quarter scuffle for victory.

After a season standout match from Olivia Pollerd -tallying 18 points, five rebounds and three assists - the Spirit conducted a masterclass in redemption, broadening their one-point score deficit in the third term to claim a 16-point lead at the final buzzer (64-80). Another massive showcase from Izzy Borlase (19 points, three rebounds, three assists) supported a star-studded performance produced by Player of the Match, Meg McConnell, who achieved a double-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

The Spirit will face their home crowd to celebrate Tolo and Griffins 250^th game milestone at home in Bendigo. Taking on the Lightning - who fell to the Townsville Fire in their last match (64-90), taking out their season performance to date to three wins and five losses - the Spirit will be fired up in their first game in front of their home crowd in three weeks. The second- and fifth-ranked teams will come head-to-head, with Sania Feagin (18 points, three rebounds) and Steph Talbot (avg. 15.5 points per game so far this season) prepared to hold off the Spirit’s advances.

The teams will gather in support of a wider cause, standing together against domestic violence, with Bendigo turning orange in honour of local charity Annie North, who provide crisis refuge and transitional support to all women, children and young people who are escaping domestic or family violence. The Bendigo Spirit Orange Ribbon match is held in collaboration with Bendigo Spirit commercial partner, Tangerine.