Never-Say-Die Lynx Complete Stunning Turnaround
The Perth Lynx have cemented their reputation as the comeback queens of the WNBL, producing a heart-stopping revival to defeat the Southside Melbourne Flyers by three points on Sunday. Trailing by a seemingly insurmountable 16 points late in the third quarter, the Lynx dug deep to secure a memorable 79-76 victory at the Perth High Performance Centre.
Fourth Quarter Fury Seals the Win
In a remarkable echo of their performance against the Sydney Flames last month, the Lynx saved their best for last. They unleashed a devastating 27-10 final period to completely overpower the Flyers. This stunning rally followed a first half where the team struggled immensely, consistently missing easy shots and lay-ups.
Lynx coach Ryan Petrik was effusive in his praise for the team's final-quarter effort. "The fourth quarter was probably the best we’ve played all year," Petrik stated. "It will certainly give them a sense of belief... We do think we’re deeper overall this year, which should allow us to run out games better."
Anneli Maley's Inspirational Leadership
Co-captain Anneli Maley was the undeniable star of the show, embodying the team's resilient spirit. After an uncharacteristically poor shooting performance in the first half, Maley exploded when it mattered most. She single-handedly scored 13 of her 22 points in the final term, also finishing the game with 13 rebounds.
Teammate Ally Wilson, who played wearing a protective mask for a broken nose, highlighted Maley's growth and mental fortitude. "If she’d missed a couple of those easy bunnies early, that would have been her done for the game in the past," Wilson said. "Now she has grown so much. To be able to miss all those shots early and have 13 points in the last quarter and drag us over the line, it is a testament to her character. We look to Maley in times of need and follow her lead."
This victory marks the Lynx's second major comeback of the season, proving their depth and never-give-up attitude make them a formidable force in the league.
