The Southern Design Sydney Uni Sparks could not continue their winning ways as they suffered their second loss in as many weeks to the undefeated Bendigo Braves. The experienced Braves dominated the second half, running away with an 89-71 victory at Hornsby Basketball Stadium.
It was a high scoring, back-and-forth affair in the first half. There were many lead changes throughout, but the Sparks held a lead with two minutes remaining in the second quarter and the match looked to be in the balance. However a poor defensive patch allowed the visiting Braves to pile on three unanswered triples to take a 48-41 lead into half time.
The Sparks came out of half time refreshed and energised and clawed the deficit back to three points early in the third quarter. But, the experience and confidence of the Braves showed as they took control of the game from that point onwards, outscoring the young Sparks 41-30 in the second half.
Tahlia Tupaea led the Sparks in scoring with 24 points. Lara McSpadden had 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Susannah Walmsley also added 13 points and 7 assists.
The Sparks, who have now slipped to 11th on the ladder, will look to regroup as they take on the Canberra Capitals Academy in Canberra at 5:30pm on Saturday 7th July.
