MELBOURNE, Australia (Interstat) — The Bendigo Braves, winners of three of their last four games, visit the Northern Force on Friday, May 1, 2026, in an NBL1 women’s matchup that pits a surging offense against a winless squad desperate for a breakthrough.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. local time.

The Braves (3-2) enter the contest on the heels of a 113-97 victory over Nunawading on April 26, the team’s highest scoring output of the young season. Bendigo shot 48 percent from the field and forced 16 turnovers in that win. The offense has been particularly potent in its three victories, averaging 102.7 points per game, compared to just 71.5 points in its two losses.

Northern Force (0-6) remains in search of its first win after dropping a 88-84 decision to Casey on April 25. The Force are 0-3 at home, with each defeat coming by an average of 9.3 points. Five of their six losses have been by single digits, including a two-point loss to Frankston on March 27.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Bendigo: Guard Kelly Wilson has been the engine of the Braves’ attack. Over her last four games, Wilson is averaging 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game while logging an average of 39 minutes per contest. She posted a near-triple-double against Nunawading with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 19 assists in 40 minutes. Wilson also had a 20-assist effort against Geelong on April 2.

Northern Force: Forward Keely Froling is the focal point for the Force. She scored a season-high 35 points on 14-of-22 shooting against Casey on April 25, adding 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 39 minutes. She is the only Northern Force player averaging more than 15 points per game.

RECENT RESULTS

Bendigo’s lone loss in its last five outings came on April 18 at Dandenong, where the Braves fell 88-67. Olivia Pollerd led the Braves in that game with 16 points. In addition to Wilson’s productivity against Nunawading, Mia Harvey contributed 18 points and 5 assists, and Pollerd added 28 points.

Northern Force’s closest contest came on April 18 at Hobart, a 75-69 loss. Against Casey, Sarah ONeill recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, and Parker Hill added 13 points and 6 rebounds.

UP NEXT

Following Friday’s game, Bendigo travels to Hobart on May 2 before returning home to face Ballarat on May 9. Northern Force plays at Knox on May 9 and at Kilsyth on May 10.