Spirit showed shooting-power throughout the game - at times hitting a series of points to get themselves within striking distance on the scoreboard, however, it wasn't enough to overcome the Lynx.

In the final minutes of the first quarter a pair of three-pointers from Tessa Lavey and Alex Wilson levelled the scores at 24-24 to keep the Spirit well and truly in the game.

During the second quarter the Lynx replied with a strong scoring effort with 24 points to the Spirit's 10 to take a 14-point lead into the main break.

After half-time a determined Spirit returned to the court and by half-way through the third quarter they were back within six points of the Lynx and only seven points behind heading into the fourth quarter.

Lynx opened fire instantly with the opening goal of the quarter, however, the Spirit weren't finished yet and responded with three-pointers from Maddie Garrick and Lavey to be back within four points.

Lynx's Alex Ciabattoni dug-deep putting five points on the scoreboard, followed by another three-pointer by captain Darcee Garbin to put the Lynx 11 points up with three minutes left on the clock.

Despite a gutsy effort from the Spirit in the dying minutes which included three-pointers from Anneli Maley and Lavey, Lynx's lead was too much to break down - final scores 90-82.

Garrick top-scored for the Spirit with 18 points, two rebounds and three assists.

Lavey was next with 16 points, three rebounds and seven assists.

American import Jackie Young put up a tremendous 24 points on the board, followed by Sami Whitcomb on 23.

Spirit are now 1-7 and on bottom of the ladder ahead of their next match on the road against Adelaide Lightning on February 5.

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