In a remarkable display of resilience, the Geelong Venom overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat the Perth Lynx 88-69 on March 12, 2024. This victory marks one of the most significant upsets in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season, as the seventh-placed Venom managed to dismantle the second-ranked Lynx in a thrilling second half at Geelong Arena.
After struggling in the initial quarters, the Venom displayed a powerful performance, outscoring their opponents 26-14 in the third quarter and 24-11 in the final period. Import player Mackenzie Holmes led the charge with an impressive contribution of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Lilly Rotunno shone brightly, achieving career-highs with 21 points and 10 assists, while Mackenzie Clinch Hoycard made a notable return from a concussion, adding 15 points off the bench, including four successful three-pointers. Jaz Shelley also played a key role, scoring 14 points and securing six steals.
Venom coach Chris Lucas expressed his concerns at halftime, acknowledging the team’s struggles in the first half. “The second half, defensively, to hold that team to 25 points was a super effort,” Lucas remarked. “I’m just really pleased for the team.”
The Lynx initially asserted their dominance, with captain Amy Atwell scoring 19 of her 22 points in the first half. However, fatigue appeared to set in for the Lynx following their recent match against the Southside Flyers. Atwell began strongly, sinking her first two three-pointers early on to help Perth take a 25-23 lead by the end of the first quarter, capped by Yemiyah Morris‘ last-second tip-in.
The Lynx continued to build on their lead in the second quarter, scoring the first 10 points to stretch their advantage to 35-23. Despite a brief response from Geelong’s captain, Alex Sharp, the Lynx maintained a 44-38 lead at halftime.
The game shifted dramatically in the second half, as Rotunno’s leadership on the court inspired the Venom. A pivotal three-pointer from Clinch Hoycard turned the tide, allowing Geelong to reclaim the lead midway through the third quarter, finishing that period with a 64-58 advantage. The Lynx struggled offensively, managing only three successful shots from 14 attempts and losing the rebounding battle 15-8.
Perth’s situation worsened in the fourth quarter, where Geelong launched a 13-2 run at the start, ultimately concluding the game with an impressive 11-2 flourish. Reflecting on the game’s outcome, Lynx coach Ryan Petrik acknowledged the challenge posed by the Venom’s second-half performance. “Being up six at halftime probably wasn’t quite enough. Clearly in the end it was nowhere near enough – we just got spanked in the second half,” Petrik stated.
The victory for Geelong Venom not only boosts their standing in the WNBL but also showcases their potential as a formidable competitor in the league. This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where determination and strategy can lead to stunning upsets.
