Amihere's on-fire 29 points is Lynx 'Dream'

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basketball.com.au

Amihere's on-fire 29 points is Lynx 'Dream'

Laeticia Amihere of Perth Lynx shoots a free throw during the round nine WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Perth Lynx at AIS Arena, on December 29, 2024, in Canberra. Photo: Mike Owen/Getty Images

Perth win 10th game on back of red-hot Laeticia Amiher

Perth Lynx with fourth straight, go to 10-3
UC Capitals drop to 2-10, playoff hopes are over
Amiher has 29 on blistering 10-from-12

WNBA and Canadian forward Laeticia Amihere delivered 29 points as the Perth Lynx won its fourth straight WNBL clash and moved to equal wins with top-of-the-table Bendigo Spirit after beating UC Capitals 89-80 (Game Centre) in Canberra on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

The Lynx and Spirit both have won 10 games but the Spirit have played 12 to Perth's 13.

The game began as a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows in the opening quarters. The Capitals, buoyed by their home support, managed to eke out a slim 46-39 lead at halftime. WNBA star and Australian Opals point guard Jade Melbourne was the catalyst for the Capitals, orchestrating their offence with precision and racking up assists.

However, the tide turned dramatically in the third quarter. The Lynx, who had been struggling with their long-range shooting, suddenly caught fire. Led by the dynamic duo of Amihere and Anneli Maley, Perth unleashed a 27-point onslaught, shooting an incredible 76.9% from the field and 75% from beyond the arc. This offensive explosion, coupled with stifling defence that limited the Capitals to just 18 points in the quarter, saw the Lynx surge ahead 66-64 heading into the final period.

The Capitals, despite valiant efforts from Charli Collier and Nyadiew Puoch, couldn't stem the Lynx's momentum in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Capitals 23-16 in the final frame.

Anneli Maley of Perth Lynx looks to pass the ball against Chantel Horvat of UC Capitals during the round nine WNBL match between Canberra Capitals and Perth Lynx at AIS Arena, on December 29, 2024, in Canberra. Photo: Mike Owen/Getty Images

After shooting 35.7% in the first half, the Lynx finished the game with a 44.8% field goal percentage, including a crucial 8-from-32 from three-point range. Both teams crashed the boards hard with Perth only out-rebounding the Capitals by one, 46-45.

Amihere, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, was on FIRE. Her game-high 29 points came on an efficient 10-from-12 shooting. Her ability to score from all areas of the court, including a perfect 8-of-9 from the free-throw line, proved too much for the Capitals' defence to handle. Amihere's performance was complemented by Anneli Maley's double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, including a scorching 4-from-5 from three-point range.

For the Capitals, Charli Collier put in a solid effort with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jade Melbourne showcased her playmaking skills with 11 points and 11 assists.