Perth Lynx head coach Ryan Petrik has issued a forceful plea for his star Chinese centre, Han Xu, to receive better protection from officials following a hard-fought and physical WNBL victory. The call came after his team's 87-79 win over the Bendigo Spirit at the Bendigo Stadium on Saturday, November 30.
A Victory Marred by Physical Play
The Lynx secured an important road win, improving their season record to 5-5 and climbing into the top four of the WNBL ladder. However, the post-game discussion was dominated not by the result, but by the treatment of the team's 208cm tall centrepiece, Han Xu. Petrik expressed clear frustration at what he perceived as a lack of foul calls for Han, who faced persistent and aggressive defence throughout the contest.
Han Xu still managed a strong performance, contributing 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. She was instrumental in a critical third-quarter surge where the Lynx outscored the Spirit 28-15, turning a halftime deficit into a commanding lead. Yet, Petrik believes her impact was achieved despite insufficient safeguarding from the referees.
Petrik's Blunt Assessment
"She gets fouled every single time she touches it," Petrik stated unequivocally in his post-match remarks. He emphasised the challenge Han faces, noting that opponents are allowed to employ overly physical tactics against her because they often go unpunished. The coach argued that this consistent physicality is a strategic choice by opposing teams, made precisely because they believe they can get away with it.
"Until the referees start calling it, they're going to keep doing it," Petrik declared, putting the onus squarely on the officials to change the dynamic. His comments highlight a significant concern for the Lynx, who rely heavily on Han's interior scoring and presence. Protecting their marquee player is not just about fairness, but a crucial basketball strategy for the team's ongoing success.
Team Effort Seals the Win
Beyond the controversy, the Lynx displayed a resilient team performance to clinch the victory. After trailing by two points at the main break, the third-quarter explosion proved decisive. American import Aari McDonald led all scorers with a impressive 28 points, providing the backcourt firepower to complement Han's work inside.
Chloe Bibby also made a valuable contribution off the bench, adding 11 points. For the struggling Bendigo Spirit, who remain anchored to the bottom of the ladder with a 1-8 record, Megan McKay top-scored with 18 points. Despite their position, the Spirit's physical approach demonstrated their competitive intent, even in a losing effort.
Implications for the Lynx's Season
This incident raises important questions for the remainder of the Lynx's campaign. Ryan Petrik's public demand for more protection for Han Xu is a strategic move aimed at influencing future officiating. By vocalising his concerns, he hopes to ensure his star player can operate more effectively and without excessive physical hindrance.
The win itself is a positive step, solidifying the Lynx's position in the playoff race. However, maintaining Han Xu's health and productivity is paramount. How officials respond to Petrik's comments in upcoming games against other WNBL sides will be a key subplot to watch. The team's ability to navigate physical defences while keeping their key players effective and on the court could define their ceiling this season.
