Perth Lynx win fifth in a row with big WNBL victory over Adelaide Lightning and have their eyes on top spot

Perth Lynx are one win away from securing their spot in the WNBL finals after their comprehensive 94-76 victory over Adelaide Lightning at the Perth High Performance Centre on Sunday but coach Ryan Petrik only has eyes for top spot. The Lynx won their fifth game in a row as captain Anneli Maley produced her ninth double-double from 14 games, Ally Wilson was brilliant with 10 assists and Laeticia Amihere continued her amazing season. The victory lifted the second placed Perth to 11-3 which puts them six wins clear of the fifth placed Lightning. But Petrik said he was only looking at what each result meant for the club’s chances over overtaking ladder leaders Bendigo. “We’re just trying not to lose and continue to chase Bendigo,” he said. “It’s just about avoiding putting L’s in the loss column. We look at the loss column. Bendigo’s got two. We’ve got three. We play them once more and it is the season deciding split as well. If Bendigo keep winning, we’ve just got to keep winning to try and chase their top spot. So however many in a row is kind of irrelevant. “We’re taking it in steps. The plan is to just make the finals first and foremost so that is the 11 or 12 number. We’re at 11 now. Once you’ve got finals qualified, then can you get top two and then can you get first? “Townsville is right behind us, so we have to keep winning. But we’re right behind Bendigo so we’ve got to keep winning from that side of things as well. It’s about the next game and just avoid putting losses in the loss column. Just keep chasing.” The Lynx are chasing redemption after losing last season’s grand final and the squad’s hunger has been evident. Maley is far from satisfied with the way the team is playing, saying they are still capable of significant improvement. They didn’t shoot well in the first half and that has become a trend in recent matches. Maley said everyone knew they have more work to do if they want to achieve their goals. “When we play with aggression, we are really good. But it’s patchy to be honest,” she said. “When we play with aggression it is awesome but if we could string it together for a whole game, that would be really nice. “We’re totally capable of doing that. It’s just a decision to. That’s on us. It’s on no-one else.”