WNBL24 Round 9 Wrap
Round 9 Recap:
The WNBL season continues to unfold with surprises and thrilling moments!
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PERTH VS UC CAPS 📆 Wednesday 27th December
Perth Lynx continue their victory streak, snatching a nail-biting win against UC Capitals!
Written by Liv Harrison
Summary
The Perth Lynx have continued their winning streak in Wednesday night’s match up against the UC Capitals, taking home the win by 8 points in the final minutes of the game at Bendat Basketball Centre.
With both teams coming off a win in round 8, they came hungry and determined to snatch another win at the beginning of Round 9. Both teams put on an absolute show, proving just how determined they were to come out on top. Ultimately, the Perth Lynx were able to land some crucial points in the final minutes, putting the UC Capitals defensive set up to the test.
Starting out, the Capitals lead the first half closely but Perth Lynx came out swinging and narrowed down the point difference all the way through to the final buzzer. The fourth quarter was action packed and a nail-biting watch, as both teams went point for point up until the final break-away by the Perth Lynx.
This match-up highlighted incredible efforts and performances by both teams, particularly Amy Atwell being the ‘Player of the Game’ with 36 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Despite being fouled out in the final minutes of the last quarter, standing out once again, Jade Melbourne continued to let it fly and shoot the lights out with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.
Finally, Wednesday’s game was presented with a double-double from both teams as Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx) walked away with 17 points and 15 rebounds, whilst Alex Sharp (UC Capitals) finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Score
Perth Lynx 98 defeated UC Capitals 90
Venue
Bendat Basketball Centre
Top Performers
- Amy Atwell (Perth Lynx) – 36 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast
- Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx) – 17 pts, 15 reb, 2 ast
- Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals) – 25 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast
- Alex Sharp (UC Capitals) – 16 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast
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SYDNEY VS TOWNSVILLE 📆 Friday 29th December
Sydney Flames come out on top in an overtime thriller against Townsville Fire
Written by Georgia Lee
Summary
In a captivating matchup that went into overtime, the Sydney Flames have taken out the win over Townsville Fire in round 9 of the WNBL season with a final score of 77-74. The Fire held the lead for the majority of the match, with the Flames being able to snub them in an overtime thriller.
Both teams came out with strong defensive styles of play, which resulted in a slow start to the match. The Fire were able to keep the Flames scoreless for the first 4 minutes of the game, however a small momentum shift was able to keep the Flames on track.
The second half saw both teams in a tight match up. The Flames were able to level the scores during the third quarter, with the Fire seeming to be rattled by the defensive efforts of Sydney. The final quarter saw an intense match up, with scores 64 a piece at the end of the quarter and headed into overtime. The Flames were able to reignite their efforts during overtime, coming out with the win over Townsville.
Score
Sydney Flames 77 defeated Townsville Fire 74
Venue
Qudos Bank Arena
Top Performers
- Didi Richards (Sydney Flames): 21 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast
- Lauren Nicholson (Sydney Flames): 15 pts, 2 reb, 10 ast
- Cayla George (Sydney Flames): 17 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast
- Sami Whitcomb (Townsville Fire): 26 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast
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MELBOURNE VS BENDIGO 📆 Saturday 30th December
Bendigo Spirit clutch win defeating the Melbourne Boomers
Written by Nellie Rose
Summary
Bendigo Spirit finish the year by ending their two game losing streak, defeating the Melbourne Boomers.
The contest during the first half was an arm wrestle which would set the tone for the rest of the game. Seeing multiple lead changes, the Boomers were able to claw back their lead each time the Bendigo Spirit trailed too closely. The Boomers got out to a half high of 7 points during the the second quarter yet the Spirit managed to close that gap slightly, leaving the Boomers to lead by 5 points going into the half time break 38-33.
The Boomers took their lead into the second half, getting out to a game high of 9 points during the third quarter. Yet Bendigo Spirit worked hard to flip the switch, they ended the third quarter leading by two points thanks to a last second layup from Abbey Wherung, ending the third quarter 60-62.
Bendigo got out to a 5 point lead during the last quarter but the Boomers were able to tie the game with 90s left which then saw them getting out to a 1 point lead in the last minute. Alicia Froling came in clutch with 33 seconds remaining, scoring a two point layup that left Bendigo leading by 1 point. Bendigo were able to secure the win when Kelsey Wilson made both of her free-throws with 8 seconds remaining.
Alicia Froling’s efforts for Bendigo Spirit earnt her the POTG.
Score
Melbourne Boomers 78 – Bendigo Spirit 81
Venue
Melbourne Sports Centres – Parkville
Top Performers
- Jordin Canada (Melbourne Boomers) – 16 pts, 4 reb, 8 ast.
- Keely Froling (Melbourne Boomers) – 16 pts, 12 reb, 1 ast.
- Alicia Froling (Bendigo Spirit) – 23 pts,  12 reb, 1 ast.
- Kelsey Griffin (Bendigo Spirit) – 12 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast.
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ADELAIDE VS SOUTHSIDE 📆 Saturday 30th December
Defensive Dilemma: Brianna Turner’s Benching Proved Costly For Adelaide Lightning
Written by Lola Di Donato
Summary
In a highly competitive clash, The Southside Flyers and Adelaide Lightning battled it out in a closely contested first half, marked by Jocelyn Willoughby’s impressive 15 point contribution for Adelaide. Faced with a defensive setback in the early stages of the third quarter, Adelaide were forced to sideline Brianna Turner after accumulating 4 personal fouls, shifting the momentum in favour of Southside. Seizing the opportunity, Southside surged ahead and secured a decisive and commanding 25 point win over Adelaide Lightning.
The Southside Flyers now head back home for their next clash against Melbourne Boomers next Wednesday.
Score
Southside Flyers 87 defeated Adelaide Lightning 62
Venue
Adelaide 36ers Arena
Top Performers
- Nyadiew Puoch (Southside Flyers): 20pts, 8reb, 2ast
- Mercedes Russell (Southside Flyers): 15pts, 7reb, 0ast
- Jocelyn Willoughby (Adelaide Lightning): 25pts, 5reb, 2ast
- Isabelle Bourne (Adelaide Lightning): 12pts, 4reb, 2ast
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TOWNSVILLE VS PERTH 📆 Sunday 31st December
Townsville Fire ring in the New Year against the Perth Lynx
Written by Kaitlyn Stones
Summary
The New Year’s Eve clash between the Townsville Fire and Perth Lynx has ended in favour of the Fire 87 – 64. Tonight’s win brought a much-needed boost to the team after loosing their last two games.
Townsville brought all their firepower to the front line as Courtney Woods led with a 72% field goal percentage, with 21 points, 2 rebounds and 5 assists. However, it was Sami Whitcomb who came out on top for the Fire with 26 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists as she made herself known on the court. Earning the coveted Player of the Game.
Both teams will meet again in the New Year on the 3rd of January for a rematch of tonight’s remarkable game.
Score
Townsville Fire 87 defeated Perth Lynx 64
Venue
Townsville Entertainment Centre
Top Performers
- Sami Whitcomb (Townsville Fire) 26 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast
- Courtney Woods (Townsville Fire) 21 pts, 2 reb, 5 ast
- Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx) 18 pts, 13 reb, 1 ast
- Amy Atwell (Perth Lynx) 15 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast
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