Casey Cavaliers Women Dominate Bendigo Braves in 96-63 NBL1 South Rout

The Casey Cavaliers Women put on a commanding performance at home on May 17, 2026, dismantling the Bendigo Braves Women 96-63 in an NBL1 South clash that showcased the Cavaliers’ championship pedigree. The lopsided victory at the Casey Stadium highlighted a team firing on all cylinders, with a dominant second quarter proving decisive.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the Cavaliers dictated the tempo. Casey’s defensive intensity forced Bendigo into early turnovers, and the home side raced to a 24-18 lead after the first quarter. The second period was where the game turned decisively: the Cavaliers outscored the Braves 31-12, taking a 55-30 advantage into halftime. Bendigo never recovered, as Casey’s balanced scoring and relentless pressure made any comeback attempt futile.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter explosion: A 12-0 run midway through the second period saw the Cavaliers stretch their lead to 41-24, forcing a Bendigo timeout. The Braves never got closer than 15 points for the rest of the game.
• Three-point barrage: Casey knocked down 11 three-pointers on the afternoon, including four from guard Chloe Bibby, who finished with a game-high 22 points.
• Lockdown defence: The Cavaliers held Bendigo to just 15 points in the second and fourth quarters combined, stifling any rhythm for the Braves’ offence.

Standout Players

Chloe Bibby was the star for Casey, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Sara Blicavs contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards, while point guard Maddie Garrick orchestrated the offence with 10 assists. For Bendigo, Abbey Ellis scored 18 points in a losing effort, but the Braves lacked secondary scoring support.

Season Context

The win improved Casey’s record to 8-2 in NBL1 South standings, keeping them in the top three and firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot. Bendigo fell to 3-7, struggling to find consistency after losing key players to overseas leagues. The Cavaliers’ depth and chemistry are emerging as major strengths as the season progresses, with their defence allowing just 63.2 points per game over the last five contests.

This comprehensive victory sends a message to the rest of the competition: the Casey Cavaliers Women are serious contenders for the NBL1 South title in 2026.