Perth Lynx book finals date with Canberra following last-gasp loss to Adelaide

Perth Lynx will play Canberra in the nation’s capital on Friday night in game one of the best of three semi-final series after giving up a 21-point lead to lose their last game of the regular season to Adelaide 82-81 in overtime last night.

The loss meant Perth finished the season fourth on the ladder with a 13-8 record and the task of tackling the minor premier who haven’t lost in since December 14.

The Lynx appeared to have set up victory with a second quarter blitz. They started the second period with a 16-4 run to lead by 17 points and that remained the margin at half-time.

They extended the lead to 21 points during the third quarter before Adelaide launched a fightback to make the margin only eight points with one period remaining.

Perth’s shooting fell apart in the second half as Adelaide charged home. That was despite Lauren Nicholson leaving the game bleeding heavily from the nose early in the final quarter.

Kayla Alexander starred for the visitors with 11 points in the final period and she led the team to victory with 17 points.

Nia Coffey (20), Aimie Clydesdale (17), Nicole Seekamp (11) and Nicholson (10) were all crucial performers.

Alison Schwagmeyer (19), Asia Taylor (15), Katie Ebzery(12) and Brittany McPhee (12) led the way for the Lynx.

“We played a great game but couldn’t buy a basket at the start of the fourth and it cost us,” coach Andy Stewart said.

“What we have to say is we played a great half of basketball and work off that.”

The Lynx wore black tape on their uniforms as a tribute to Stewart’s brother John who passed away during the week.

The Capitals have had an easier run into the play-offs and haven’t played against another finalist since thumping Perth by 32 points in Canberra on December 16.

But the Lynx won the previous two battles, which were played in Perth.

“They’re tough but they’re beatable,” Stewart said.

It will be Perth’s fourth consecutive finals series. The made the grand final in 2015-16 but were knocked out in the semi-finals during their previous two campaigns.

Game two will be played at the Bendat Basketball Centre on Thursday January 31. The league changed the original schedule - which had game two the previous day - due to stadium unavailability.