Round 14 Game Preview

WHEN: Thursday 15 January, 2026
TIME: 4pm AWST
WHERE: RAC Arena, Perth
TICKETS: Available via Ticketmaster

The Perth Lynx are set to open Round 14 in a massive clash, as they take on the reigning Champs and the current top-of-the-table team, Bendigo Spirit, in Perth.

Despite not playing on their home court - with the game being the opening clash of HoopsFest, a basketball festival involving all WNBL and NBL teams playing in the one arena - the Lynx will have extra reason to celebrate when the run out onto RAC Arena, with Alex Ciabattoni set to suit up for her 150th game.

Taking the win against the Adelaide Lightning by 15 points on the weekend, massive performances from double-double stealer Anneli Maley (25 points, 12 rebounds) and Ciabattoni (16 points, seven assists) held the Lightning off in each term.

With a much-needed return to their home court last round allowing the group to regain their winning composure, the Lynx will enter this round with a vengeance to add to the W column.

It will be a huge game against the League's team-to-beat in the Spirit, who also took a major falter in Round 12, ending their 10-game winning streak to the Sydney Flame on the road. With the Spirit having not had an opportunity to take the court since, the Lynx will likely have the upper hand in terms of being raring to go in front of a boisterous home crowd.

Despite their winning streak coming to an end, the Spirit remains one of the toughest contests in the WNBL in 2026, bolstered by rising star Izzy Borlase, who dominated the scoreboard last time she hit the court (32 points, six rebounds).

The Lynx will bring their all to the court on Thursday as they attempt to knock the Spirit off their no.1 spot in the WNBL standings.