42-point masterclass: Isobel Borlase writes her name into WNBL history

Isobel Borlase didn’t just light up Ballarat on Wednesday night, she etched herself into the WNBL record books. 

The 21-year-old Paris Olympian and Bendigo Spirit star exploded for a career-high 42 points in a statement win over the Southside Melbourne Flyers, delivering one of the most dominant individual performances the league has seen in more than two decades.

With the outburst, the Atlanta Dream draftee became the first player to score 42 points in a WNBL game since Penny Taylor in 2002, and just the 11th player in league history to reach the mark. 

Despite the historic night, Borlase admitted post-game she didn’t see it coming. 

“I was not expecting that. I knew it was going to be a tough match up against Southside, they’re fighting for ladder position,” she said. 

“I guess it was one of those nights, it’s always nice to see your first one go in. But I can’t do it without the other four girls on the court.”

Now firmly a front-runner in the MVP race, the question turns to what comes next: can Borlase lead Bendigo to a second Championship in as many seasons?

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