PERTH Lynx have snatched second spot on the ladder and are chasing after Bendigo Spirit following an impressive 93-75 victory over Adelaide Lightning last night. In front of home fans, the Lynx won the first three quarters to go up by 21 points, before a fourth term fight resulted in the visitors reducing the damage a touch.

Perth Lynx (93) def. Adelaide Lightning (75)

Perth is set to play WNBL Finals again this year and wanted to remain a step ahead of Townsville – at least for now – coming into the match while Adelaide Lightning is running out of time if it is to snatch that crucial fourth spot. Unfortunately the former showed why it was seven wins ahead of its opponent prior to the match, and they made it eight with a strong all-round performance.

The Lynx put the Lightning away early with a 27-19 first term, and over the next two quarters built a handy lead. Reducing the visitors to just 12 points in the third term was the final nail in the coffin, with the Lynx able to rotate some players and still keep in touch with the Lightning in a tighter fourth term.

Perth shot at a higher clip from inside the arc (52.6 to 43.3 per cent), had 16 more rebounds (50-34) and lead in the steals and blocks as well as having less turnovers. It was unsurprising to see skipper Anneli Maley again put on a show, pulling in 15 rebounds herself – six offensive – and building up 18 points, six assists and three steals as well.

She was supported by the impressive shooting of Alexandra Ciabattoni (25 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals), while Amy Atwell hit three of eight from beyond the arc en route to 16 points. Alex Wilson (15 points, six rebounds and five assists) did her usual thing across the court impacting in a multitude of ways.

Adelaide’s captain Stephanie Talbot was a real thorn in the Lynx defence’s side, as she picked up a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, as well as five assists. Dallas Loughridge continues to get better and better, and managed 15 points, six assists and five rebounds, while both players drained four of eight from long-range. Also a threat from beyond the arc,Sania Feagin (15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals) finished with three of eight from long-range, in what was a disappointing niht for the Lightning.

Perth has a quick turnaround with less than 48 hours to recover for its next clash tomorrow at AIS Arena. The Lynx face UC Capitals from 12:30pm in what should be an intriguing game, while the Lightning also take to the court tomorrow when they host Townsville in Adelaide.