UC Capitals v Bendigo Spirit

The UC Capitals are looking to continue their winning form as they travel to face Bendigo Spirit this Saturday, with Nyadiew Puoch set to celebrate a major career milestone in her 100th WNBL game.

The Caps head into the matchup following an important 77-68 victory over Geelong Venom last weekend, claiming their first win on the road for the season.

Amy Atwell led the game with an impressive 25-point performance, while Puoch was also a standout contributing 15 points and seven rebounds.

After building an early advantage, the Caps were able to withstand Geelong’s attempts to fight back and secure the win, providing confidence heading into another challenging matchup.

Saturday’s game will mark a special occasion for Puoch, who is set to make her 100th WNBL appearance at 22 years of age.

Puoch made her WNBL debut with the Southside Flyers during the 2022/23 season, aged just 18. During her time with the flyers, she experienced championship success and became part of the side that claimed the 2024 WNBL Grand Final Series.

She made the move to Canberra ahead of the 2024/25 season and has continued to develop into an important part of the Caps lineup, bringing athleticism, defensive pressure and the ability to contribute at both ends of the court.

Reflecting on her journey from her rookie season to reaching the 100-game mark, Puoch acknowledged just how much she has grown.

“From my junior rookie year to now I have obviously changed a lot, and I learnt a lot on and off the court. I have played five seasons in the WNBL and I’m obviously still 22 and young. I am always surrounded by really good people, and I get to do what I can do.” Puoch said.

Her development has also been shaped by her experience playing overseas in the WNBA, an opportunity she believes has helped build her confidence and strengthen her game.

“A big thing for me was confidence and I think obviously playing in the world’s greatest league and coming back has given me a lot of confidence to just be me, and to keep developing,” she said.

Head Coach Paul Goriss has also been impressed with Puoch’s growth throughout her time with the club, particularly the confidence she has brought back to Canberra.

Goriss believes she is becoming increasingly comfortable in her own game and no longer second guesses herself.

“She’s more assertive at both ends of the floor. Her shot blocking’s improved out of sight too, it’s just good to see her come back full of confidence and ready to play,” he said.

With plenty of basketball still ahead of her, Goriss says the 100-game milestone is only the beginning of what Puoch can achieve throughout her career.

“It’s come around super quick for her, someone so young, but still has so much more basketball to play and improve on. I still think she’s only scratching the surface of what she can do, not just in the WNBL but for the future in Opals and WNBA,” Goriss said.

Puoch has also enjoyed the environment she has found in Canberra, highlighting the connection with the playing group as an important part of her development

“Everyone has a lot of fun you know we’re always smiling which is really good and I thrive in those environments,” she said.

Standing in the Caps way this weekend is a Bendigo side still searching for their first win of the season. The Spirit suffered a 77-70 defeat to Geelong on Monday night, despite holding a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

Jade Melbourne was a standout for Bendigo finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, but Geelong’s late push proved too strong for the Spirit as they face a 0-3 start to the season.

Despite their slow start, Bendigo has plenty of talent and experience, with Melbourne consistently putting on a show alongside league veteran Marianna Tolo who scored 28 points against the Caps in Round 1.

The Caps will be familiar with the challenge Bendigo presents, the last time these two sides met was in their season opener. The Caps were able to take the win by a narrow two points, so Saturdays matchup is expected to provide another competitive battle.

With momentum building following last week’s victory and Puoch preparing to reach a significant career milestone alongside her sister Manny Puoch, the Caps will be determined to make the trip to Bendigo a memorable one.

Tip-off is on at 7pm Saturday at Red Energy Arena, watch live on 9Now or ESPN via Disney+.

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