Maley masterclass fuels Lynx ladder charge

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With the ladder tightening behind the top three, Anneli Maley delivered a statement performance that underlined why Perth remain firmly in the championship mix.

The Lynx forward dominated both ends in a 25-point, 14-rebound, four-assist outing, anchoring a second-half blowout that turned a competitive first quarter into a 32-point result.

Perth led by just three early, but once Maley began consistently punishing switches and crashing the offensive glass, the game broke open. She shot 6-of-9 from two, 3-of-7 from three, and 4-of-4 at the line, finishing with a +33 plus-minus and the game’s highest efficiency (39). Her activity set the tone for a Lynx group that outscored Southside 67–29 across the second and third quarters.

The win matters in ladder context. Perth entered the night sitting third, chasing Bendigo and Townsville at the top, while Southside were clinging to fifth with UC Capitals. This result widens that gap: Perth reinforced their top-three hold, while Southside slipped further behind the playoff pace, now facing mounting pressure with a near-neutral points differential turning sharply negative.

Perth’s balance amplified Maley’s impact. Ally Wilson (21 points, eight assists) controlled tempo, Alex Ciabattoni added 20, and the Lynx shot 60.5 percent from the field while winning the rebounding battle 46–36. Southside had moments — Haley Peters’ 15 points and 11 rebounds stood out — but they spent just 4:11 in front, unable to stem Perth’s repeated scoring runs.

Key Details

• Result: Perth Lynx 111 def. Southside Melbourne Flyers 79
• When: 27th of January 2026
• Where: VIC State Basketball Centre, Victoria
• Attendance: 2,250
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Anneli Maley (Perth Lynx) starred with 25 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block in thirty-three minutes.
• Haley Peters (Southside Melbourne Flyers) delivered 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in twenty-eight minutes.

What Happened

Perth Lynx seized control early, outscoring the Flyers 22-19 in the opening quarter. The Lynx then delivered a blistering second quarter, pouring in thirty-four points while limiting Southside to just thirteen. This explosive run — highlighted by Ally Wilson’s perimeter shooting and Maley’s relentless work in the paint — propelled Perth to a 56-32 halftime advantage.

Momentum remained firmly with the Lynx in the third, as they unleashed another dominant stretch, winning the period 33-16.

Anneli Maley’s impact was exceptional. She cleaned the glass with authority, securing eleven defensive boards and adding four assists. Maley’s efficiency — shooting 6-from-9 from two-point range and 3-from-7 from deep — set the tone, while her four steals and a block anchored the Lynx’s defence. Ally Wilson was equally impressive, dropping twenty-one points on 6-from-9 shooting from outside the arc, along with eight assists and four boards. Ciabattoni chipped in 20 points on a stellar 7-from-11 from the field, and Gorman added 17 with five triples, giving Perth a true all-round effort.

Southside’s offence was stifled by Perth’s defensive intensity. The Flyers shot just 32.35% from outside and committed fifteen turnovers, struggling to control the ball. Haley Peters led with fifteen points and eleven rebounds, but the Flyers’ bench was outscored 32-8, underscoring the Lynx’s superior depth. The Flyers managed only eight second-chance points and were out-rebounded 46-36, further compounding their woes.

Perth’s offensive execution was outstanding. The Lynx shot 60.53% from two-point range and 40.54% from deep, including a remarkable 15-from-37 triples. Their ball movement resulted in 21 assists, and they dominated the fast break with eight points to Southside’s four. Defensively, Perth forced turnovers and translated them into sixteen points, while limiting Southside’s runs and never allowing them to build momentum.