Round 13 Game Preview

WHEN: Saturday 10 January
TIME: 4pm AWST
WHERE: Perth High Performance Centre, Perth
TICKETS: Available via Ticketmaster

The Perth Lynx will be determined to bounce back tomorrow afternoon following a heart-wrenching 77–74 loss to the Canberra Capitals in Canberra last weekend, snuffed out by a last-second half-court buzzer-beater from Nyadiew Puoch. The defeat halted the Lynx's impressive seven-game winning streak, despite a strong showing from Han Xu (30 points, 15 rebounds) and diligent defence that erased Canberra’s early lead.

Meanwhile the Adelaide Lightning will also be keen for a win after going down to the Townsville Fire, 69-83, at home last weekend, despite strong performances from Steph Talbot (19 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals), Dallas Loughridge (18 points, six assists, four rebounds) and Sania Feagin with a near double-double (11 points, nine rebounds, two assists).

It's been just over a week since the two teams last met, where the Lynx were victorious on their home court, winning 93–75.  In this game, the Lightning struggled to match Perth’s rebounding (50–34 advantage) and run-and-gun efficiency.  Talbot again top-scored with 16 points, 10rebounds and five assists, while Loughridge chipped in 15 points; however, they couldn’t overcome Alex Ciabattoni’s 25 points or Anneli Maley’s all-around double-double (18 points, 15 rebounds, six assists).

Both teams enter this fixture with something to prove.  The Lynx are eager to reassert their dominance, especially on defence and rebounding – areas that let Canberra strike on the buzzer. They'll look to rekindle the energy that saw them dominate Adelaide back in Round 12. The Lightning, however, remain hungry after two defeats to Perth; driven by coach Aja Parham‑Ammar’s fresh systems, they’ll aim to tighten up their inside presence and regain control of the fourth quarter.

It’s shaping up to be another tight clash in this heated rivalry, with a finals home-court advantage also at the back of the mind of the Lynx.