Marianna Tolo returns to boost Canberra Capitals’ title chances

Opals centre Marianna Tolo marked her return to action from injury in style and boosted the Capitals’ WNBL title chances.

Opals centre Marianna Tolo marked her return to action from injury in style, boosting the WNBL title hopes of the University of Canberra Capitals into the bargain.

Tolo poured in 25 points in her first game in nine months since rupturing knee ligaments, as the second-placed Capitals (8-4) overwhelmed the struggling Bendigo Spirit 94-63 in Canberra.

The loss was the fifth in succession for sixth-placed Bendigo (6-8), who couldn’t handle the height and athleticism of 29-year-old Tolo.

The result lifted the Capitals within sight of leaders Perth Lynx (9-4), who crashed to a surprise 96-76 loss to the Dandenong Rangers (5-6) in the other game to complete round nine.

Rebecca Cole and Kayla Pedersen both scored 21 points for a Rangers side who have struggled for consistency this season.

Perth were made to pay for another slow start, having relied on a comeback earlier in the week to beat Bendigo 86-68. The highlight of that match was American Asia Taylor’s 19 points in the second quarter.

Coach Andy Stewart said the Lynx needed to break a dangerous habit of starting games slowly.

“We’ve got to really sit down and look at it because, eventually, the stress will get to us,” he said.

It was an important week for Adelaide Lightning (7-6), who clambered inside the top four with wins over Sydney Flames (82-72) and Townsville Fire (85-70).

Townsville struggled without league legend Suzy Batkovic, ruled out on the day with a neck injury, snapping a 142-game playing streak. Without the six-time league MVP, they conceded 23 offensive rebounds.

Melbourne Boomers (9-5) blew a chance to go second with a 65-62 loss at home to the bottom-placed Flames (2-11).

Sydney have found their feet after losing the first 10 games of the season.

AAP