The University of Canberra Capitals have moved to the top of the WNBL ladder with a resounding 96-80 victory over the Perth Lynx in Perth on Saturday 12 March, despite missing key players Kelly Wilson and Alex Bunton.

The pair did not travel to WA the team for this weekend’s game due to the COVID quarantine rules and potential of having to go into quarantine in the chance they become close contacts.

The mothers decided it was not something they could put their young families through, which the club fully supported.

After two big losses to the Lynx earlier in the season, the dominant display by the UC Caps over Perth is a statement to the league that the Canberra team are well and truly championship contenders.

It was the Britt Sykes show with 32 points (including 7 from 7 free throws), 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Kelsey Griffin added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jade Melbourne put up 20 points off the bench.

Perth’s Jackie Young, who was originally in doubt for the game due to injury, carried the Lynx with 36 points.

The win has moved the UC Caps to top of the ladder, but with narrow margins separating the top four teams, they will have to overcome the Adelaide Lightning on 17 March and the Melbourne Boomers on 19 March in Round 15 before they can be confident of their position heading into finals. Just one more win or loss could make all the difference between having home court advantage for finals or not.

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