Samuels' triple-double steers Spirit to win over Lightning

A Casey Samuels triple-double has guided the Bendigo Spirit to a tough 76-70 win against Adelaide at the 2026 TechnologyOne Townsville Tip Off.

The Spirit forward tallied 15 points (including 3 triples), 10 rebounds and 10 assists, as well as 2 steals and 1 block at the Murray Sporting Complex.

Samuels was well supported by Olivia Pollerd (18), Marianna Tolo (14) and Jessica Smith (12) in the six-point win.

In the defeat, Adelaide's second of the pre-season tournament, Elissa Brett scored a game-high 24 points.

Daisy Hocking was the other shining light for Adelaide with 17 points.

It was the Lightning who started the stronger of the two, racing out to a 26-17 lead at the first break.

Bendigo grounded their way back into the fixture with a 19-17 second term and a 15-10 third period.

The win for Kennedy Kereama's side was secured by a 25-17 fourth quarter, sealing the six-point triumph.

The Spirit will look to build on this result against Geelong on Sunday from 5pm AEST, while the Lightning head home with an 0-2 record.

Watch every Tip Off game live on 9Now and Disney+.