Caps stand strong, but fall short against title contenders Perth Lynx
After almost a month away, the UC Capitals played their first game at the AIS Arena and battled the in-form Perth Lynx as they sought to end a five-game losing streak. The home team started strong leading at the end of the first two quarters, showing the energy and offensive pop that’s been missing throughout the losing streak. However, Laeticia Amihere and Anneli Maley showcased why they are two of the premier stars in the league today combining for 50 points on 16-20 shooting to power the visitors down the stretch and carry them to an 89-80 win.
Here’s how it played out.
First Quarter
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The Caps finally had the strong start to the game they’ve been waiting all season for. Nyadiew Puoch opened the scoring with a strong drive to the basket and aggressive defense led to a couple transition baskets to give the Caps an early advantage. A Jade Melbourne pullup three in semi transition gave the Caps an 8-4 lead and a few plays later, Mon Bobongie hit her own 3 off an offensive rebound from Charli Collier to give the Caps a 14-6 lead and force a Perth timeout. Off the timeout, Perth responded with a 7-0 run, but Charli Collier kept pressure on the O-glass and a Katie Deeble 3 with 5 seconds left had the home team up 23-18 at the end of the quarter.
UC Caps 23, Perth Lynx 18
Second Quarter
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The Caps continued their spirited play to start the second quarter. Jade hit Munger for a nice floater, and Nards answered a Miela Sowah and-1 with her own and-1. A stepback jumper from Jade and Katie Deeble’s 2nd 3 of the game had the home side open up a 35-25 lead. The visitors wouldn’t let up though, with Laeticia Amihere battling inside to keep the Lynx close. Anneli Maley’s offensive rebound putback, followed by Ally Wilson splitting her charities had the Lynx within 7, 41-34. But Mon Bobongie followed up with her 2nd 3 to keep Perth at bay. Maley hit 3 fts off a foul from Nards, but Charli followed up with an offensive rebound putback. At the half, the Caps were up 46-39.
Halftime UC Caps 46, Perth Lynx 39
Jade Melbourne 11pts 3rebs 6asts
Charli Collier 9pts 7rebs 3asts
Laeticia Amihere 8pts 4rebs
Miela Sowah 7pts 4rebs
Third Quarter
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The Caps started the quarter strong defensively stringing a few stops in a row but they failed to capitalise on offense. Amihere found her range from midrange for the Lynx hitting basket after basket to keep Perth in striking distance. Chantel Horvat, Ella Tofeaono and Nyadiew Puoch fired back for the Caps, but then Anneli Maley caught fire, hitting four straight 3s to finally wrestle the lead from the Caps 66-64. Jade Melbourne, 4 points away from 1000 WNBL career points stood strong defensively for the Caps preventing Perth from running away as the game headed to another close finish.
Perth Lynx 66, UC Capitals 64
Fourth Quarter
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Laeticia Amihere opened up the 4th quarter with a huge block, but the Jade x Charli pick and roll started to click getting back-to-back baskets. Mon Bobongie and Chantel Horvat spurred the Caps forward, combining for 8 straight points to push the home team up 77-71. Off a timeout, the Lynx responded with a big 11-0 run highlighted by Laeticia Amihere hitting basket after basket. Charli Collier finally stopped the bleeding for the Caps with a huge and-1 but Perth responded with Ciabatonni converting inside to give the visitors an 85-80 lead with 1:30 to go. Off a timeout, the Caps were forced into a shot clock violation and Laeticia Amihere capped off a dominant performance with her 29th point of the game to seal the Lynx’s fourth straight win, and 10th overall.
FINAL Perth Lynx 89, UC Caps 80
Key performers
UC Caps
Charli Collier 20pts 10rebs 3asts 1stl 1blk
Mon Bobongie 13pts 3rebs 1ast 1stl
Jade Melbourne 11pts 3rebs 11asts 5stls
Perth Lynx
Laeticia Amihere 29pts 7rebs 3asts 1blk
Anneli Maley 21pts 10rebs 1ast 2stls
NEXT GAME: 7:30pm AEDT Friday 3 January vs Adelaide Lightning in Adelaide.