THE WRAP- ROUND 12

January 30, 2023 | WNBL news

In one of the tightest rounds we’ve seen so far in the Cygnett WNBL 22/23 season, there’s been some movement in the standings, with just one loss separating the top four as we race towards Finals.

Lynx on the rise

Perth have come into form at the right time this season, now on a seven-game win streak after two massive wins in Round 12.

Sami Whitcomb led the charge for the Lynx in the Wednesday night clash against Bendigo, top scoring with 25 points. It was a tight contest, with Anneli Maley scoring yet another double-double for Bendigo (19 points, 17 rebounds), but the Lynx, in red-hot form, were too good. The Spirit have now slipped to fourth position on the ladder.

Perth got their second win on the road at the Boom Box on Sunday. Despite missing an injured Whitcomb, Amy Atwell stood up and dropped a massive 27 points! Robbi Ryan was also strong for the Lynx hitting 19 points, along with Lauren Scherf in what was her 200^th WNBL game.

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One-point thrillers

Two games in Round 12 went down to a one-point margin, with the Lightning almost pulling off an upset over the Flyers, and UC Capitals coming close to their second win of the season against the Fire.

Jade Melbourne and Rae Burrell fired for the Capitals offensively, with Burrell top-scoring for the night with 24 points. Zitina Aokuso, in her best game yet this season since returning from injury, was strong for the Fire, dropping 20 points. With the game going down to the wire, Karlie Samuelson hit two clutch threes to put the Fire in front in the dying minutes and held on to win by one point.

Izzy Borlase continues to impress this season, the rising star shooting at 100 per cent in the opening quarter for Adelaide, finishing on 19 points for the game. Steph Talbot was superb once again with a 15 point, 11 assist double-double. Kayla Thornton and Lauren Jackson found their groove in the second half for Southside, with Thornton finishing on a double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) and hitting a clutch basket to seal the win for the Flyers.

Undermanned Fire put out the Flames

Sydney started the game strong in their clash against Townsville. The Flames got an early lead, with captain, Keely Froling top scoring with 24 points.

Townsville clawed their way back, despite missing Lauren Nicholson and Steph Reid, who unfortunately went down injured during the game. Tianna Hawkins was strong for the Fire, along with Samuelson who scored 15 and 14 points respectively. Krystal Leger-Walker stepped up in Reid’s absence, getting extra minutes and scoring 10 points.

Player of the Week

Amy Atwell (PER) – 18.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 1apg vs BEN/MEL