PERTH Lynx have maintained pressure on WNBL ladder leaders Bendigo Spirit following an impressive come-from-behind victory against UC Capitals yesterday. The Lynx were jumped in the first half by the Capitals who were in front of home fans at AIS Arena in Canberra, before settling down after the main break to win by nine points, 89-80.

It was a tale of two halves for the Lynx who found themselves trailing by five points at quarter time and then seven points at the main break. By no means was the deficit anywhere near panic stations for the second placed side, but they still had to turn around the momentum in the second half. That they did, piling on 50 points to 34 – including a 27-18 third term – which resulted in a 16-point turnaround from half-time to full-time.

The Lynx were incredible from the field, shooting at a deadly 62 per cent from inside the arc which helped them given the Capitals put up 21 more shots but only had four more makes. In total, despite 16 less field goal attempts, the Lynx were able to remain in contention thanks to their accuracy, and quite often forced their way to the line where they shot 72 per cent from the charity stripe (21/29) compared to the Capitals’ 50 per cent (7/14).

Anneli Maley was at her brutal best off the boards, picking up a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, as well as two steals. Eight of those boards came from the defensive end, but she was not just getting it done there, also draining four triples up the other end. She teamed up well with Laeticia Amihere who hit 10 of 12 from the field for 29 points, also collecting seven rebounds and three assists.

The key facilitator on offence was Alex Wilson who dished off nine dimes to go with eight points and seven rebounds – including a team-high four offensive boards – in the win. Alexandra Ciabattoni (12 points, two rebounds and two assists) was the pick of the players coming off the bench and also reached double-figure points for the winners.

The Capitals looked to Charli Collier who matched Maley in numbers with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and while not able to impact as much from beyond the arc, still managed three assists, a steal and a block in teh loss. She was supported by young gun Jade Melbourne (11 points, 11 assists, five steals and three rebounds) who did it all, while Nyadiew Puoch (11 points, six rebounds and two assists) and Monique Bobongie (13 points, three rebounds) also contributed for the Capitals in a tough loss.

Closing out both teams’ 2024 campaigns, the Capitals recommence on January 3 where they head to Adelaide to tackle the Lightning at Adelaide 36ers Arena. A quick turnaround less than 48 hours later will see them back in Canberra for a home game against Geelong United. Perth Lynx can put the feed up until January 5 when they host the Lightning at HBF Stadium.