Perth Lynx MVP Ally Wilson demanding better start for her team after WNBL finals loss to Townsville Fire

Perth Lynx MVP is demanding her team approaches the start to games with greater intensity after another sloppy opening quarter cost them during Saturday’s semifinal loss to Townsville. The Lynx lost the opening game of the best-of-three series 92-87 and paid a high price for trailing by 11 points at quarter time. Perth have won only two of their last six first terms and have trailed by double-figure margins during three of those matches. The Lynx fought back and took the lead in the final quarter on Saturday, but couldn’t land the knock out blow at the Bendat Basketball Centre. With their season now on the line, Wilson said everyone had to understand the importance of being ready to play. “It’s definitely our starts. Energy and effort on defence is the key for us, then we can get out and run a bit more. The good thing is I think a lot of the stuff is energy and effort. It’s very changeable. It’s not we don’t have the talent,” Wilson said “Our starts are nowhere near good enough, I think we come out and play a little bit blase to try to get feel for the game. We’ve got to come out on the front foot and be better next game for sure. “We have players that are big game players and it’s like ‘the game is on the line, now we’ll kick into gear.’ We can’t be doing that at this time of the season.” Wilson led the way for the Lynx with a career-high 32 points while also producing nine assists. She and Fire import Nia Coffey had an enthralling battle but the Townsville star prevailed with 36 points in an awesome shooting display. Lynx coach Ryan Petrik said Wilson coudln’t have done any more for her team. “Elite. Really good. She saved our backside multiple times. For what feels like the 22nd time this year, showed everyone why we wanted her so badly in a Perth jersey,” he said. The Lynx must now travel to Townsville on Wednesday and win to keep the series alive. Perth beat the Fire in Queensland last weekend and won a semifinal on the same court last season which Wilson believes will hold them in good stead. “We feel confident going into their gym to get a win,” Wilson said. “We’ve just won there obviously. Even last year as well, getting the win up there. We’re excited. It’s a do or die game and we can’t wait.”