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Perth Lynx thrash Canberra Capitals as Marina Mabrey stars again to record second WNBL win in a row

Headshot of Craig O'Donoghue
Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
Perth Lynx responded to demands to improve their teamwork and dominated.
Camera IconPerth Lynx responded to demands to improve their teamwork and dominated. Credit: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Perth Lynx have responded to coach Ryan Petrik’s demands for a more team oriented approach by destroying Canberra 88-69 in the nation’s capital.

The Lynx looked like world beaters at times in the first two games, but repeatedly let the opposition score freely. They made a defensive statement against Canberra while also dominating in attack.

Perth led by 25 points just three minutes into the second quarter and at that point, the Capitals had managed only 17 points. It showed just how powerful the team could be this season.

“It was great. That’s clearly closer to our best and that’s the best thing about this group,” Petrik said.

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“One of the features of this program is that we want player happiness and joy. But when you’ve got to give them a rocket, they take it really well and always fix it. That’s been the impressive thing about them all.”

Canberra rallied during veteran Kelly Wilson’s 400th game to reduce the deficit to 15 points shortly before half-time. But Perth stormed clear again and extended the margin to 28 points to stun the Capitals.

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Jackie Young had her best performance for the Lynx.
Camera IconJackie Young had her best performance for the Lynx. Credit: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Marina Mabrey continued her brilliant form with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists. Lauren Scherf was a powerful force and produced her second double-double in a row with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Import Jackie Young had her best performance since joining the club with 14 points and Darcee Garbin scored 15 points including three three-pointers.

Petrik said Young would only get better.

“We haven’t seen the best of Jackie yet,” Petrik said.

“Her defence has been terrific but we’re still holding her minutes back and we don’t expect her to peak for a while yet. It was great to see some of the things she did in the first half and everyone is starting to see what she can really do.”

Marina Mabrey top scored for Perth again.
Camera IconMarina Mabrey top scored for Perth again. Credit: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Brittany Sykes led the way for Canberra with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kelsey Griffin scored 15 points and the Capitals copped a big penalty when Brittany Smart was ejected following a flop and subsequent unsportsmanlike foul.

With the result clear and games to come against Melbourne Boomers on Monday and a re-match against Canberra on Wednesday, Petrik made the most of his chance to rotate his squad.

“The schedule is crazy at the moment because we’ve got all of these games plus flights and driving,” Petrik said.

“We really wanted to get a game where we could rotate harder because we’ve had two games go down to the wire. It was nice to get our starters off the court at times and give the bench some minutes so they could get a feel for the season.”

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