12
Jan
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Get that outta here: Amihere blocks Utd run
Gemma Potter of Geelong United is blocked by Laeticia Amihere of Perth Lynx during the round 11 WNBL match between Geelong United and Perth Lynx at The Geelong Arena, on January 12, 2025, in Geelong. Photo: Mike Owen/Getty Images
Laeticia Amihere's block shot proved the difference in Perth's win
- Geelong's Elissa Brett missed game-tying three at the buzzer
- Perth eek out sixth straight, winning by three on the road
- Amy Atwell makes clutch free throws down the stretch
How big was Laeticia Amihere's point blank block on Gemma Potter with 1:05 to go in the fourth quarter? Very. It would have brought Geelong United to within three in what turned out to be a frenetic finish to a thrilling 80-77 WNBL25 Round 11 Perth Lynx win (Game Centre).
Jaz Shelley and Potter hit bang-bang threes after Ally Wilson knocked down a pair of free throws with 33 seconds left to get to within one with 13 seconds left.
Geelong fouled Amy Atwell with nine seconds left and the Lynx star hit both clutch free throws to make it 80-77. United, without a timeout left, pushed the ball up the floor, got it to Elissa Brett for a good look in the corner but her three was short.
Perth captain Amy Atwell was the standout performer, pouring in a game-high 22 points including four crucial three-pointers.
Geelong were valiant, led by the all-around efforts of Alex Sharp and Jaz Shelley who each contributed 16 points, but ultimately fell just short.
The statistics tell the story of a tightly contested affair. While Geelong won the rebounding battle 48-47, Perth's efficiency from the free-throw line proved decisive. The Lynx shot a blistering 88% (22-of-25) from the charity stripe compared to Geelong's 76% (13-17). This disparity in free throw accuracy ultimately provided the narrow margin of victory.
Atwell's clutch performance deservedly took centre stage. The Perth captain not only led all scorers but did so with remarkable efficiency, shooting 46% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. Her six made free throws in seven attempts were instrumental
The win was Perth's sixth straight, taking them to 12-3, a half a game behind the 12-2 Bendigo Spirit. Geelong dropped to 5-9 in fifth.
