Put that behind us and move on

Lynx give Flyers a shooting masterclass finishing with a 101-79 victory in Game 1 of the Cygnett WNBL Grand Final series.

The start of the game was tough enough for Flyers fans and unfortunately it didn’t improve as the game unfolded. Lauren Jackson was called for an offensive foul within a minute of the opening tip-off and a Lynx clean 3-point shot, one of six for the quarter, and the writing was on the wall. At the Flyers end the basket was hard to find, while at the other end the Lynx were scoring freely. A ten-point deficit halfway through the period grew to 14 (10-24) before baskets from Mercedes Russell and Jasmine Dickey saw the Flyers end the first period down 10-points (16-26).

While nothing was working for the Flyers, everything was working for the Lynx, including banking in three-pointers by accident and by the half-time break the Lynx had poured in 60-points for the half for a 23 point lead.

Unfortunately for Flyers fans, the trend continued in the second half with the Lynx continuing to shoot at a very high percentage, better from beyond the 3-point line than closer in, and by the end of the third period the lead had extended to 29-points (53-82).

The final period was a good reflection of the game for the home team. A quick nine points, courtesy of three, 3-pointers from Lauren Jackson, for the Flyers biggest scoring run of the game, was met by the next 11-points by the Lynx, their biggest scoring run of the game, and a game-high lead of 31-points. The

game was played out with all players on both teams gaining court time before the Lynx ran out winners 101-70.

The Flyers won the points in the paint and second chance points and had less turnovers. While the Flyers shot at 39% and at 42.3% from beyond the three point line, the Lynx shot at 48.7% and at 57.9% from beyond the three point line, making 22 of their 38 attempts.

In a disappointing afternoon, the Flyers scoring was led by Lauren Jackson with 21, Carley Ernst had 13-points and Mercedes Russell was the only other player in double figures

with 12 and 8 rebounds. Maddy Rocci had 8-points, 5 assists and 9 rebounds for the game.

It is now to Perth for game 2 of the best of 3 Grand Final series, a chance to keep the series alive and come back to Melbourne next Sunday for a deciding game 3. It was disappointing but that game is over, the scenario is the same, the Flyers are two wins from a Championship and it all starts again in Perth on Thursday night, March 14 at 9:30pm Victorian time.

Cygnett WNBL Grand Final – Game 2
Flyers away to Lynx
Thursday March 14
9:30pm Victorian Time (6:30pm local time)
Live on ESPN