WNBA Los Angeles Sparks teammates and former NCAA opponents, Sania Feagin and Alissa Pili, finally reunite — not in Los Angeles, but on a WNBL floor in Geelong. Same 2025 WNBA home, different colours, and a Pride Round matchup that carries real ladder consequences, adding extra meaning to an already compelling contest.
From there, the stakes only rise. Saturday’s Pride Round clash arrives with the season series locked at 1–1. Geelong struck first on their home floor early before Adelaide responded at the Spark House with a gritty overtime win. Now, the decider arrives with momentum and urgency firmly in play.
Both teams sit on five wins, scrapping to stay off the bottom of the ladder. This one isn’t about style points — it’s about toughness, composure, and executing when the pressure peaks.
For The Lightning, it’s about backing up effort and staying connected for four full quarters. When the Lightning defend with intent and move the ball, they’ve shown they can match it with anyone around them. Pride Round adds another layer, playing for visibility, inclusion, and community alongside the on-court battle.
Meanwhile, Geelong will be desperate to protect home court. At their best, the Venom can score in bunches — particularly in transition — and they’ll be hunting the edge that powered their early-season win over Adelaide.
Expect a physical contest, momentum swings, and plenty of emotion. With separation from the bottom rung on the line, this looms as a season-defining clash — and a fitting stage for Pride Round basketball.
Key Matchups & Focus Areas
Sania Feagin (Lightning) vs Alissa Pili (Venom)
A physical frontcourt battle. Pili comes in hot after a 28-point outing against the Sydney Flames, testing Feagin’s presence in the paint.
Steph Talbot (Lightning) vs Mackenzie Holmes (Venom)
All-court influence versus interior efficiency. Adelaide’s switching and help coverage will be key.
Dallas Loughridge vs Geelong backcourt
The tempo setter; Loughridge’s pressure, downhill attack, and ability to organise offence shape Adelaide’s rhythm.
Momentum runs
Both Geelong and Adelaide thrive in bursts; the side that controls the swings and limits runs will gain the edge.
Late-Game Execution
Season series tied 1–1. Composure late will decide it.
Adelaide Lightning vs Geelong Venom
📅 Saturday 24 January 2026
⏰ Tip Off 2.30pm ACDT
📍 Geelong Arena
📺 9Now | ESPN on Disney+ | ESPN
