Lynx end Fire streak
The JCU Townsville Fire’s four-game winning streak has been extinguished by the Perth Lynx in Melbourne.
Having looked ultra-impressive since their last loss – a 19-point defeat in Perth – the Fire were hoping to keep the series alive but came up short as the Lynx secured an 84-79 victory.
While the Fire had five players in double figures, they could not contain Sami Whitcomb (27 points, six rebounds and five steals) or Courtney Williams (22 points and three rebounds) as the pair combined for 7/11 from beyond the arc.
After a promising start, the Fire fell behind off the back of a 9-0 run before Mincy turned the game.
The WNBA draftee struck four-of-four attempts from long-range to pace the Fire but they still went into the first change trailing by the slimiest of margins.
Splash! Laurin Mincy hits her fourth triple 🔥🔥🔥🔥 of the quarter – this is not a drill – to hand the Fire a 21-19 lead! #FireUpTownsville
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) November 26, 2017
The two teams continued to trade blows in the second term and the scores were level again in the shadows of half-time before Suzy Batkovic (14 points and 12 rebounds) and Cayla George (11 points and seven rebounds) were both whistled for technical fouls inside the final minute.
The consequence was a four-point deficit at the main change which was erased thanks to a positive third quarter.
Mia Murray (13 points, three rebounds and four assists) found her range from the three-point line, while Sydney Wiese (11 points and two assits) did likewise down the stretch.
The Fire had five players in double figures against the Lynx today but came up just short. Laurin Mincy was the Recoverite MVP after top-scoring with 16 points! #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/bwhYc22CJU
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) November 26, 2017
Every time the Fire threatened, however, the Lynx were able to rally as they held their nerve to secure a narrow victory.
Despite the loss, the Fire remain on top of the WNBL ladder with an 8-4 record and will need to bounce back in round nine when they dace Dandenong and Sydney Uni on the road.
Click here to read full box scores between the Fire and the Lynx.