Perth Lynx Preview – Away to Geelong United
It’s another first for the Perth Lynx on Sunday when they play a road game against Geelong United for the first time at The Arena needing to keep winning to set up Wednesday’s battle over top spot with Bendigo Spirit.
The Lynx made it five straight victories in the WNBL with Sunday’s 18-point victory at the Perth High Performance Centre against the Adelaide Lightning to ensure they remain in second place, and keep pace for top position.
Before Perth can worry about taking on Bendigo, they need to take care of business in Geelong on Sunday with the game tipping off at 9.30am Perth time.
It will be the first time that the Lynx have played in Geelong and it will be the second meeting this WNBL season between the two teams with Perth winning 96-71 back on December 23 at the Perth HPC.
It’s a crucial game on Sunday for the Lynx too as they come into the match up sitting in second position with an 11-3 record to be just behind the league-leading Spirit who have a 12-2 record.
A win on Sunday and the Lynx set up a clash with Bendigo on Wednesday night where top spot will go on the line.
However, should Perth have a slip up to the Spirit then not only does first place start to get out reach, but they are in jeopardy in second place too with the Townsville Fire not far behind at 8-5.
Since that win over Geelong at home just before Christmas, the Lynx have continued their winning ways firstly on the road to the UC Capitals and then back home as well to the Lightning.
Geelong, meanwhile, is fresh off a win in Melbourne against the Southside Flyers 76-70 on Wednesday night with Jaz Shelley finishing with 20 points and seven assists, Gemma Potter 15 points and three assists, Elissa Brett 12 points and four rebounds, and former Lynx forward Alex Sharp seven points and 10 boards.
Last time the teams played last month and with the Lynx ending up winning 96-71, there were a host of standout performances including 19 points from Atwell, 14 points and 14 rebounds from Anneli Maley, and 13 points and seven boards from Laeticia Amihere.
Then there was Ally Wilson having 12 points, nine assists and five rebounds, Teige Morrell 12 points and five boards, Miela Sowah 10 points, and Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard six points and three rebounds.
The Lynx have been playing some terrific basketball to have won five straight matches, but co-captain Maley is still looking for a team to find greater consistency and to get closer to putting together full 40-minute performances.
“I do feel like we’re just showing how hungry we are in patches. When we play with aggression we can be really good but it’s patchy too to be honest,” Maley said.
“When we play with aggression it’s awesome, but if we can string that together for a whole game that would be really nice.
“We’re totally capable of doing that, it’s just a matter of it being on us and no one else.”
CYGNETT WNBL SEASON 2024/25
Round 11 – Perth Lynx v Geelong United
Venue – The Arena, Geelong
Tip-off – Sunday January 12, 9.30am AWST
How to watch – Live, free and on demand on 9Now