Opals centre Marianna Tolo has returned from injury in style, boosting the WNBL title hopes of the University of Canberra Capitals.
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 on Sunday in Canberra.
The loss was the fifth in succession for sixth-placed Bendigo (6-8), who couldn't handle the height and athleticism of Tolo.
The result lifted the Capitals within sight of leaders Perth Lynx (9-4), who crashed to a 96-76 upset 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 had struggled for consistency.
Perth were made to play for another slow start, having relied on a comeback earlier in the week to beat the 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.
