The Perth Lynx have sent a thunderous message to the WNBL competition, dismantling the Geelong Venom in a spectacular 102-74 victory at the Bendat Basketball Centre. The Sunday afternoon clash transformed into a one-sided showcase of the Lynx's offensive firepower and defensive grit.
Maley's Historic Triple-Double Leads the Charge
The game will be remembered as the Anneli Maley show. The relentless forward etched her name into the history books, recording a phenomenal triple-double. Maley finished the game with 15 points, a staggering 22 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first player in the league to achieve this feat since 2018. Her energy was infectious, setting the tone for a dominant team performance from the opening tip-off.
She was far from alone in her brilliance. Chinese star Han Xu was a towering presence, pouring in a game-high 24 points and proving to be an unstoppable force in the paint. The scoring was beautifully distributed, with Amy Atwell adding 19 points and Ally Wilson contributing 16, highlighting the depth of talent at coach Ryan Petrik's disposal.
A Game of Two Halves: Lynx's Second-Quarter Blitz
The first quarter offered some resistance from the visiting Venom, with the Lynx holding a narrow 25-22 lead. However, any hopes of a close contest were extinguished in a devastating second period. The Lynx unleashed a 30-12 quarter blitz, completely overwhelming Geelong with their transition game and lockdown defence.
By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 55-34, and the result was effectively beyond doubt. The Lynx continued to execute their game plan in the second half, maintaining their intensity and extending the margin to a commanding 28 points by the final buzzer. For the Venom, the bright spots were few, with Chloe Bibby top-scoring with 18 points in a losing effort.
Building Momentum for the Championship Chase
This resounding win is a significant momentum builder for the Perth Lynx. The performance demonstrated a potent combination of individual brilliance and cohesive team play. Anneli Maley's all-around mastery, combined with Han Xu's scoring efficiency and strong support from the entire roster, makes the Lynx a formidable proposition for any opponent.
The victory was celebrated in front of a passionate home crowd and was part of a double-header event with the Perth Wildcats, creating a fantastic festival of basketball. The Lynx will look to carry this dominant form into their next fixtures as they solidify their position as genuine championship contenders in the 2023/24 WNBL season.
