IT TURNS out one can be better than two, with Anneli Maley single-handedly dragging her Perth Redbacks side to a come-from-behind victory against a Perry Lakes Hawks side with fellow WNBL players Sami Whitcomb and Alex Fowler putting on a show.

In an unforgettable contest which was regarded as WNBL quality by some, Maley stuffed the stats sheet with 37 points and 23 rebounds, while Whitcomb and Fowler combined for 50 and 17 but it would not be enough to secure the win.

In a tale of two halves, the Hawks looked to have everything under control in the first half, shooting out to a 15-point lead at the main break. That lead extended to 19 points through the third term before Maley stepped up to the plate. In that 10 minutes alone, she poured on 13 points and eight rebounds, with her last triple coming in the final minute of the quarter to cut the deficit to just four points with a quarter to play.

Maley continued her incredible resurgence with 11 points and six rebounds in the final term – making it 24 and 14 for the half – to grab the game by the horns and storm to an incredible come-from-behind win at Bendat Basketball Centre. Perth had lead for the last few minutes of the final term with a triple from Maley edging the Redbacks 89-88 clear with 2:43 on the clock. From that moment, the visitors scored seven of the last 10 points to round out 10-point winers.

Along with her video game numbers, Maley snatched six steals, had three assists and provided two blocks, shooting at 36.4 per cent from the field (12/33), and 44.4 per cent from long-range (4/9). She was well supported by Natalie Chou who put up 24 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Sophie Doran played a supporting act of 26 points, four steals and three assists.

For the Hawks, Whitcomb had a brilliant all-round game of 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, five steals and one block, while Fowler picked up a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds. Jayda Clark was handy off the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

WEST ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Thursday, April 17:

Willetton Tigers (81) def. by Rockingham Flames (54)
Perry Lakes Hawks (91) def. by Perth Redbacks (96)
Joondalup Wolves (81) def. by Warwick Senators (98)
Cockburn Cougars (94) def. by Mandurah Magic (80)
South West Slammers (77) def. by Lakeside Lightning (86)
Eastern Suns (64) def. by East Perth Eagles (87)