IN A statement performance in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) semi-finals, the Perth Lynx advanced to the Grand Final for the third time in the past five years, defeating the Bendigo Spirit in game two last week.

The Spirit came into the clash with their backs against the wall, and the reigning champions needed to win to keep their hopes of going back-to-back alive by forcing a game three. Bendigo held hosting rights at Red Energy Arena last Tuesday night, and were looking to throw everything it had at the visitors, who had taken game one a few days prior.

However, the Lynx once again proved far too good for the Spirit, delivering a championship-calibre win on the road in game two, booking their spot in the big dance with a six-point triumph in enemy territory.

Bendigo Spirit (75) def. by Perth Lynx (81)

The two teams went back and forth throughout the contest, but it was the visitors who had the upper hand throughout the first 15 minutes of play. The Lynx were able to build a lead as big as 10 points in the second quarter, and it looked as if the Spirit had let their season slip away despite having a vocal crowd cheer them on at Red Energy Arena.

However, behind the efforts of 2025/26 WNBL Most Valuable Player Isobel Borlase, the Spirit surged back into the contest. She put the home side on her back in the third frame, and drew Perth within three points in the penultimate period, firing up her side and the crowd as well, with Borlase showing why she was the standout performer for the season.

However, an offensive drought plagued the Spirit, which allowed the Lynx to retake control of the contest, as Perth was able to rebuild an advantage on the scoreboard. Bendigo simply could not buy a basket, as the Lynx was able to hold on for a six-point win.

Superstar big Han Xu was the star of the show for the Lynx in the series-clinching win, stuffing the stat sheet with a huge double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds, while also nailing a late basket that sealed the result and capped off a dominant match in the paint.

She was aided well by Opal Anneli Maley, who was influential across all four quarters and showed why she is still one of the most dangerous players in the postseason. Maley ended the contest with 22 points and 14 boards of her own as she and Xu dominated the frontcourt battle.

The Spirit would not have been in the contest if not for the performance of Borlase, as the young superstar did everything to force a game three. She ended the contest with 23 points, eight boards and eight assists, almost recording a remarkable triple-double despite the loss.