The Perth Lynx are headed back to the WNBL grand final for the third time in five seasons after producing a composed and resilient 81 to 75 victory over reigning champions Bendigo Spirit at Red Energy Arena on Tuesday night.

In what was effectively a sudden death contest for Bendigo, the atmosphere crackled with urgency from the opening tip. The Spirit were fighting to extend the semi final series to a decisive third game. Instead, Perth demonstrated poise under pressure, closing out the contest late to seal the series 2 to 0 and book their place on the championship stage.

Awaiting them will be either the Townsville Fire or the Southside Melbourne Flyers, but for now the focus rests squarely on a performance defined by discipline, interior dominance, and timely shot making.

Han Xu and Anneli Maley Anchor Perth’s Charge

At the heart of Perth’s triumph was towering star Han Xu, whose presence in the paint shaped both ends of the floor. The Chinese international delivered a commanding double double, finishing with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks. Her efficiency around the rim and defensive timing altered Bendigo’s offensive rhythm throughout the night.

Han’s ability to score in traffic, protect the basket, and control the defensive glass gave Perth a structural advantage. Whenever Bendigo appeared poised to seize momentum, Han responded with composure, either through a strong post finish or a critical defensive stand.

Anneli Maley matched that intensity with a relentless performance of her own. The Olympian poured in 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, impacting the game with her trademark energy and versatility. Maley’s defining moment came with just over two minutes remaining. With Perth clinging to a slender two point lead and tension mounting inside the arena, she buried a clutch three pointer that steadied the Lynx and quieted the home crowd.

From that point forward, Perth controlled the closing stretch. Han added a decisive two point basket with 41 seconds left, effectively extinguishing Bendigo’s hopes of a comeback.

Reflecting on the team effort, Han emphasized the collective mindset required at this stage of the season.

"Every time I've been in a championship game, it's not only a one person thing. It's about the whole team," Han said.

"I need to be better because I know my teammates believe in me and give me the ball.

"We need to stay together ... have a good rest, be healthy and get ready."

Her remarks captured the balance within Perth’s roster. While individual brilliance was evident, the victory was rooted in cohesion and trust.

Ally Wilson also played a pivotal supporting role, contributing nine rebounds and six assists. Her playmaking steadied Perth’s offense during critical stretches, particularly when Bendigo increased defensive pressure.

Bendigo’s Fight Falls Just Short

For the defending champions, the defeat marked a bitter end to their title defense. Bendigo entered the game determined to rebound from an 86 to 76 loss in Game One, but inconsistency in shooting ultimately proved costly.

The Spirit converted just 38 percent of their two point attempts and managed only nine three pointers. Despite generating opportunities, they struggled to capitalize with the efficiency required in high stakes playoff basketball.

League MVP Izzy Borlase was once again instrumental in keeping Bendigo competitive. She finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, narrowly missing a triple double. Her third quarter surge was particularly impressive, as she poured in 13 points to drag the Spirit back into contention after Perth had built a second quarter cushion.

Borlase’s ability to penetrate and create scoring chances for herself and her teammates ignited the home crowd. At one stage in the third quarter, she reduced the margin to a single possession, shifting the momentum firmly in Bendigo’s favor.

Veteran captain Kelsey Griffin delivered an equally spirited performance. The 38 year old forward recorded 18 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, showcasing her enduring competitiveness and leadership. Griffin battled tirelessly on the boards and provided rim protection in crucial moments, embodying the resolve that has defined Bendigo’s championship culture.

After the final buzzer, Griffin spoke candidly about her future.

"I don't know if this was my last game playing, but if it was, I would be really fortunate," Griffin said when asked about her future.

"I'm someone who struggled with gratitude in my career because I felt like I often had to push for progression and betterment.

"(But), because of the people that I get to go and play basketball with daily, it's going to be a really difficult decision."

Her comments added an emotional layer to the contest, underscoring the significance of the moment not only for the team but potentially for one of its most respected leaders.

A Game of Momentum Swings

The contest unfolded in waves. Bendigo edged ahead by a single point at the end of the first quarter, setting the tone for a physical and tightly contested encounter.

Perth responded in the second term behind Maley’s offensive burst. She scored nine points in the quarter as the Lynx began to assert themselves, establishing a 43 to 38 halftime lead. The advantage was not overwhelming, but it reflected Perth’s improved shot selection and defensive intensity.

The third quarter belonged largely to Borlase. Her 13 point outpouring reignited Bendigo’s challenge and reduced the margin to a single possession. The Spirit’s defensive pressure increased, and the arena’s energy surged as the champions sensed an opportunity to force a deciding game.

Yet Perth’s composure proved decisive. Rather than panicking under pressure, the Lynx continued to execute through Han in the post and Maley on the perimeter. Their ability to generate quality looks, even late in the shot clock, prevented Bendigo from fully capitalizing on its momentum.

In the final minutes, defensive stops and controlled possessions allowed Perth to close the game methodically. Bendigo, despite multiple attempts, could not find the shooting touch required to complete the comeback.

Championship Implications

For Perth, this victory reinforces their evolution into one of the WNBL’s most consistent contenders. Reaching three grand finals in five years is a testament to organizational stability, roster construction, and player development.

The Lynx now await the winner of the semi final between the Townsville Fire and the Southside Melbourne Flyers. Regardless of the opponent, Perth will enter the grand final with confidence built on both star power and collective discipline.

Han Xu’s interior dominance, Anneli Maley’s all around impact, and the supporting contributions of players like Ally Wilson give Perth a balanced profile suited for championship basketball. Their defensive structure, rebounding strength, and late game execution will be critical in the final series.

For Bendigo, the offseason arrives with questions but also pride. The Spirit fought valiantly in defense of their title, powered by the brilliance of Izzy Borlase and the leadership of Kelsey Griffin. While the shooting percentages fell short in this decisive game, the competitive identity of the club remained evident until the final seconds.

As the WNBL grand final approaches, the narrative now centers on whether Perth can convert this semi final breakthrough into ultimate glory. If Tuesday night’s performance is any indication, the Lynx possess both the resilience and the firepower to mount a serious championship challenge.