Flyers fight back from huge defecit to win
In a real tale of two halves, the Flyers flipped the script after a huge deficit in their anticipated return to the State Basketball Centre. The team’s resilience was on full display again, as they fought until the very last second of the game to steal an important win by two points after trailing by 20 at the half.
It was all Perth early in the game, as it was evident that the Flyers were struggling to contain the Lynx’s high-tempo offense. The Lynx’s fast breaks and quick ball movement left the Flyers’ defence scrambling, allowing easy baskets and a substantial early lead for the visiting team. Emily Potter, Miela Goodchild and Aari McDonald were all significant with their hot hands making shots from everywhere.
But it was coach Cheryl Chambers’ genius change to a zone defence heading into the third term that took away Perth’s easy penetration that was killing the Flyers in the first half, and also allowed her team to grab more rebounds in their pursuit of the margin.
Despite not being able to hit anything from outside earlier, the Flyers began hitting threes when they were most important. Lauren Jackson had a crucial three from the top of the key to dampen Perth’s second effort at creating a big lead, and Bec Cole swished one from the corner that gave the Flyers the first lead of the game with 20 seconds to go. All of the Flyers made huge, clutch plays to contribute to the scintillating win, and proved they’re execution in the biggest moments.
Mercedes Russell continued her hot form, scoring 19 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and having the game-winning block on Perth’s final attempt to tie the game before the buzzer. Lauren Jackson had her best game of the season so far, with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Bec Cole and Carley Ernst both scored 14, and Maddy Rocci had 12 and six assists.
The Flyers now move to 3-2 for the season, after their second fight back from a huge deficit. Although it’s not the ideal way to be winning, still, they are finding a way and are showing they won’t give up till the very end. The Flyers can take away some key defensive strategies going forward and have proven their ability to make winning in-game adjustments.
The Flyers will be back at the State Basketball Centre on Saturday 2nd December at 5pm to take on the UC Capitals.
