STARRING roles from Perth Lynx duo Jackie Young and Sami Whitcomb lead the Lynx to their first Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) win at home in 26 months. The emotional victory in front of home fans who could finally see their heroes up close, saw the Lynx easily get the job done against an in-form Adelaide Lightning outfit. Having not won at Bendat Basketball Centre since January 2020 – following a WNBL hub in the eastern states, and West Australian border restrictions throughout – the Lynx made the most of their second opportunity at home, bouncing back from a loss to Sydney Uni Flames to post a 25-point win, 104-79.

The Lynx raced out to a six-point lead at quarter time, and held a 12-point advantage by the half. At that stage, the writing was already on the wall for the second placed side which was on a hot streak of four consecutive wins. With the UC Capitals set to take second spot should the Lightning drop the game, Adelaide was determined not to give it up lightly. But the work of Young and Whitcomb overwhelmed them, as the backcourt pair combined for 52 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and nine steals for the match.

The second went similarly to the first, with Perth winning the third term by a massive nine points and opening up what looked to be an unassailable 21-point advantage at the final break. That lead only grew by the final margin, scoring 24-20 in the last stanza to win by 25, 104-79. It was a relieving win for the Lynx, not so much in the context of the season – with Perth firmly on top having games in hand – but more so to finally get the job done at home ahead of a big finals series.

Young topped many of the stats with a standout performance of 30 points – 12 of 18 from the field – seven rebounds, six assists and five steals. Whitcomb managed the 22 points – seven of 15 from the field including four of eight from beyond the arc – five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Sharing the load in an even staring five, Darcee Garbin (14 points, six rebounds and two assists), Alexandra Ciabattoni (13 points, seven assists and four rebounds) and Lauren Scherf (12 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks) all stood up. Emma Gandini (six points and four rebounds in 12 minutes) had an impact when on court.

For the Lightning, Alanna Smith and Kiana Williams combined to stand up against the Perth onslaught. Both players recorded a team-high 17 points, with Smith (seven rebounds, three assists) and Williams (four assists, three rebounds and two steals) able to work hard throughout the contest. Stephanie Talbot (13 points, five assists and four rebounds) and Kylee Shook (12 points, six rebounds and three blocks) also contributed in the loss.

The teams do not have to wait long to face off again, with the Lynx hosting the Lightning in a second match tomorrow night back at the Bendat Basketball Centre.