NEEDING a win to keep the surging Townsville Fire at bay, the Perth Lynx used a season high 39-point quarter in the third term to propel them to a 22-point victory over the Sydney Flames at Quay Centre on Saturday.

Perth led early, winning the first two quarters of play by a combined four points. The Lynx had seven individual scorers in the opening period, while Miela Sowah sparked the visiting side early with eight early points. Cayla George (nine points) and Celeste Taylor (eight points) got off to hot starts in the first term for Sydney as well. 

Alex Wilson stepped up for the Lynx in the second period, posting half of their 24 points to keep her side in the lead by five points going into the main break. Perth was able to curb the influence of George and Taylor, but Shaneice Swain and Carla Pitman knocked down shots at important times for the Flames to keep the deficit close.

The tight tussle in the first half broke open immediately as the second half begun, with Perth going on a 17-3 run in the middle stages of the third quarter. Laeticia Amihere scored 12 points in the first five and a half minutes of the term, more than Sydney would go on to score in the entire period. Contributions from Alexandra Ciabattoni, Amy Atwell and Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard spurred the Lynx as they posted 39-points in the quarter, a season high and extended their lead to 34 points going into the final break.

The white flag was waved heading into the fourth term as both sides gave some extended run to their bench players, and the Flames were able to mount a slight comeback to make the margin look more appealing than the story really told. 

For the home side, the disappointing loss came despite some solid individual performances. Taylor’s first half was impressive as she scored 18 points to lead her side, as well as posting five rebounds and five assists. George remained productive in her minutes with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Carla Pitman put up 14 points and seven rebounds. Isabella Brancatisano knocked down four threes in a valiant effort en route to 14 points for the game. 

Sowah continued to shoot the ball at a high clip, nailing five of her eight attempts from beyond the arc. She finished with 23 points, while Amihere could not be denied in the paint as she finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Wilson was superb, stuffing the stat sheet with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and five steals. Steph Gorman took advantage of some longer court time, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds, whilst skipper Anneli Maley added 11 points and hauled in eight rebounds. 

The win gives the Lynx a two-win buffer over the Fire, who have a game in hand over Perth. They still sit in second spot with just three rounds remaining, and a win in Round 14 against the Adelaide Lightning would hold them in good stead looking towards finals. Sydney will face the UC Capitals on Thursday afternoon in a fierce contest that could shake up the WNBL ladder.