Fire crowned WNBL champs after OT thriller against Perth Lynx

“Going into the start of the year we had the youngest team, but we also had the expectation that we would win the championship,” said Seebohm.

“We’re one of the few teams that doesn’t have an Olympian or Opal who has played in the World Cup or done any of that. We’ve got a lot of unheralded superstars.”

“Our whole goal is to always play our best basketball and I truly believe we did that.

“This was one of the toughest matches I have ever seen in the WNBL. Of course, it has to go down as one of the best finals matches ever.”

Perth’s hopes of a first title in 34 years ended after losing 88-79 in a best-of-three series on Thursday.

The defeat also marks the Lynx’s third grand final defeat in five years after coming up short in 2022 and 2024.

While Han was inspiring with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks, her Lynx teammate Anneli Maley also recorded a double-double with 27 points and 19 rebounds.

Alex Ciabattoni (23 points) and Ally Wilson (13 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds) were also busy.

“You can roll over, curl up in a ball, suck your thumb and just cry, or you can dig in your heels and try again,” coach Ryan Petrik said.

“It felt like a play that could go either way, and we had a chance to get it.

“Unfortunately, our luck hasn’t gone down and that’s the price.”

The Lynx went on an early 11-2 run but struggled to score in the second term and Townsville took a 50-45 lead into the main break.

Perth put together a thrilling finish by going on a 15-3 run in the third quarter, but it was Sowah’s last-gasp shots that won Townsville the title.