Pin-point Han dismantles Capitals in sparkling debut
Sebastian Tan |
Han Xu has sent a warning shot to the WNBL, mixing style with substance on debut to steer the Perth Lynx to a 91-67 victory against the UC Capitals.
After waiting years hoping to see the 211cm centre on his team, coach Ryan Petrik was well rewarded as the Chinese international gelled instantly, despite having just three training sessions with the side.
Han’s silky shooting and towering presence were too hot to handle for the Capitals as she made 100 per cent of shots, complementing 22 points with two blocks and four rebounds at the AIS Arena on Saturday.
Opal Zitina Aokuso, who returned from a leg injury, matched up against Han.
But sitting 18cm shorter proved a difficult task, as the star grabbed 10 points and conceded four turnovers.
Amy Atwell (22 points) and Alex Ciabattoni (16 points) were typically busy, as the Lynx bounced back from an 87-58 loss to the Bendigo Spirit and improved their record to 6-3.
“She (Han) had three training sessions, and she could do it (perform) under duress, because of the schedule and the flights,” coach Ryan Petrik said.
“Clearly offensively, she’s just a totally different weapon for us. She is someone you can just throw the ball to.
“We’re clearly a work in progress. If the championship game were to happen now, Townsville would probably win by 800.”
After suffering their biggest defeat since January 2016 against the Fire last week, the Capitals (2-6) improved, staying in touch with Perth until midway through the third quarter.
Canberra weren’t able to keep up with the Lynx’s clinical showing, though, conceding 17 turnovers and 11 steals.
Despite missing French import Kadi Sissoko with a concussion, Nicole Munger rose to the occasion, slotting 12 points while young-gun Jayda Clark sunk 10 points.
Opal Jade Melbourne was held to just six and coach Paul Goriss admitted she is suffering burnout after returning from the WNBA.
“I thought that we were in the game. We were close and competing enough for it to go back and forth at times,” Goriss said.
“17 turnovers, which they got like 18 points off, is a game in of itself.”
Both teams exchanged buckets early, before Perth, helped by Han’s eight points, took a six-point quarter-time lead.
The Lynx started the second quarter with a spring in their step as Atwell bucketed a flurry of threes to open up a 43-36 gap at halftime.
With it all to do, Canberra couldn’t make significant inroads into Perth’s deficit as Han and Atwell continued to convert baskets to secure victory.Â
AAP
