Caps celebrate milestone by defeatng Spirit

Nyadiew Puoch has celebrated her milestone 100th WNBL game by spearheading the UC Capitals to a clinical 97-83 victory over Bendigo.

Puoch starred with 26 points and seven rebounds at Bendigo's Red Energy Arena on Saturday night as the Capitals responded to a late rally from the winless Spirit with a strong finish.

Import Megan McConnell (16 points, 10 assists, eight boards) flirted with a triple-double, while Nicole Munger (15 points) was efficient off the bench.

Jade Melbourne compiled 24 points, six rebounds and six assists for Bendigo before fouling out, while Olivia Pollerd posted 16 points and seven boards.

Manny Pouch was active early, before sister Nyadiew joined her, steering the Capitals to a 26-20 quarter-time advantage.

Melbourne single-handedly piloted the Spirit's charge in the second term, putting Bendigo up 40-36, before Canberra responded with a 10-0 run to reclaim the lead.

Melbourne scored 16 first-half points, while at the other end Nyadiew Puoch was on 15 and Munger had 10 without a miss as the Caps held sway 47-42 at the main break.

Canberra had just one turnover at halftime, while the Spirit were plagued by cough-ups at the other end, conceding 14 by three-quarter time, including seven in the third term alone.

The Capitals' cushion swelled to 53-42 when Nyadiew Puoch and Sharne Robati started the third frame with three-pointers.

But Melbourne continued to exert her influence, reducing Canberra's lead to 66-61 at the final change.

Abbey Wehrung laced three three-pointers in the fourth term as Bendigo slashed the deficit to 78-74. But the Caps responded to the challenge calmly, with Nyadiew Puoch pacing a match-sealing 13-3 burst down the stretch.