It was a disappointing result for Jim Wilson and his team, who refused to let the talent-laden Spectres get away from them in a high-scoring final quarter.

Alex Ciabatonni, Haylee Lepaio and captain Molly Rice led the scoring with 16 points apiece, while Ellie Junod chipped in with 12 of her own.

Wilson said that while he was disappointed not to get the result in an inherently winnable game, the side was consistently proving its mettle against the best teams in the league.

“We missed a couple of easy shots, and gave them a few easy baskets on the turnover,” he said.

“But I don’t think we’re far off, it’s a matter of hanging tough.

“They’ve all come with the same effort every week.

“In the past, Bandits teams would have crumbled in the situation we’re in now, but these girls just aren’t letting that happen.”