Perth Lynx win fifth game in a row as Ally Wilson and Laeticia Amihere star against Southside Flyers

Perth Lynx have shown they’re far from a one-trick pony after showcasing their defensive prowess during an 89-82 win over Southside Flyers in Victoria. The Lynx have built their game on being a free-flowing, high-scoring team and shot the lights out against Townsville on Wednesday, nailing 16 of their 23 three-pointers. But it was their highlights at the other end of the court that set up their away win. Ally Wilson had a career-high six steals while also producing 19 points while import Laeticia Amihere not only had five blocks but also constantly forced the Flyers into errors just with her presence in the paint. Star guard Alex Ciabattoni said it was a totally different type of win. “It was ugly and a grind,” Ciabattoni said. “It’s exciting because in previous seasons that’s what has let us down, especially in finals. We haven’t been able to finish out those close games and execute on both offence and defence. It was good to have that close game and be able to execute like that. “The defensive numbers were huge. Six steals, five blocks. You don’t see that every day from players. We really followed the scout in this game to put ourselves in good positions to get those sorts of things done.” Miela Sowah continued her impressive season with 23 points and five rebounds, Amihere scored 14 points and Anneli Maley produced a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Ciabattoni was busy all day with eight points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Southside were missing star pair Alice Kunek (calf) and Carly Ernst (back) but the Lynx still had co-captain Amy Atwell sidelined with a knee injury. The win was Perth’s fifth in a row and sets up a blockbuster home match against the unbeaten Bendigo Spirit on Thursday. Ciabattoni won’t play in the game because she is getting married in Adelaide next weekend but Atwell is expected to play. Ciabattoni said her team was extremely focused. “As a team, we try to have a short memory,” she said. “But we always come in believing we can win. Coming off a win we like to feel the momentum and coming off a loss we are quick to re-group and just move on. “We’ve got Amy coming back so hopefully she gives is some of that extra x-factor and keeps us rolling. We are gelling at the moment. It’s good to see.”