The UC Capitals will suit up for their final game of the season against the ladder leading Bendigo Spirit this weekend. The home game at the AIS Arena tips off at 3:30pm, meaning its the last chance for fans to see their Capitals in action until later this year.
Over the weekend the Caps suffered a frustrating home defeat against the Sydney Flames which ended their playoff hopes. After numerous players got into foul trouble early in the contest, the Capitals struggled to find their momentum as Isabella Bracatisiano played an unreal hand for Sydney with 26 points.
Nyadiew Puoch was the main highlight for the Caps with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while Monique Bobongie also had a strong 2nd half to finish with 13 points.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the Capitals went down 71-86. Despite the loss, the Caps still have the chance to finish the season off on a high, with a mouthwatering clash against the table leading Bendigo Spirit looming.
Bendigo has been the undisputed team to beat this season. They have lost only two games and are riding a 9-game unbeaten streak. The caps have been soundly beaten in their previous two clashes against Bendigo this season. Sami Whitcomb did the damage on both occasions for the Spirit, scoring 20 and 25 points respectively in dominant performances against the Capitals. She stands as the best scorer in the WNBL with 21.5 ppg and is the only player to average more then 20 points per game.
While Whitcomb has been the star for the Spirit so far this season, she has been supported greatly by her support cast. Veronica Burton has been strong for the Spirit in the backcourt, providing 4.6 assists per game to go with her 14.4 ppg. Former UC Capital Marianna Tolo has also been a pivotal factor for the Spirit since joining this season. She currently sits 1st on Bendigo in blocks and 2nd on rebounds, while also providing a helpful 14.6 ppg.
The Capitals will need to slow down Bendigo’s three-point shooting threat if they are to cause an upset on the weekend. The Spirits 37.2% shooting percentage from three-point range is a WNBL high and has played a major role in the team blowing away the rest of the competition so far this season. The Bendigo defense has also been a major asset, conceding the least points per game of any side this season.
The Capitals are still looking to address this area of their game even at this advanced stage of the season. The Caps are on the opposite side of the spectrum to the Spirit, conceding the most points of any team in the WNBL. Fouls have also hurt the Caps on several occasions this year. They lead the competition in free throws conceded, and fouls per game.
Several UC Capital players have had strong personal performances this season and will aim to end the year on a high. Jade Melbourne has been the standout, leading the competition in assists (6.8 apg) for the 2nd year running. Nyadiew Puoch has had a phenomenal end to the season, averaging 16.7 ppg in her last 7 matches.
Abby Bishop has provided some energy to the team in her return stint while on the other end of the spectrum young players Monique Bobongie and Katie Deeble have found success in greater minutes this season.
The game against Bendigo still takes on great significance, as the Spirit will look to continue their good form ahead of the playoffs while the Caps are aiming to gift their home crowd one final special moment this season.
The game tips off at 3:30pm this Saturday at the AIS. Don’t miss out on the last chance to see the UC Capitals this season!
