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The Waves opened their season with a 92-68 win over the Lightning.

West Coast Waves showed their win at the WNBL Spring Shield was not a one off as they thrashed Adelaide Lightning to tip-off the new season on Saturday night.

The Waves beat the Lightning 92-68 at the WA basketball centre.

Waves import point guard Lindsey Moore led the home side with 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists while Sarah Graham added 15 points and eight assists.

Laura Hodges scored 16 points for Adelaide while Emma Langford scored 12 points.

The Waves passing was sensational as the team compiled 25 assists to just 13 from the Lightning while the home side shot an outstanding 13 of 25 from the three-point line.

Waves coach Kennedy Kereama said his side’s tough defence and selfless offence set up a memorable win.

“I think this win just reiterates to our girls on the back of our preseason form that when we play great team offence and team defence that we can be as good as anyone in this competition,” Kereama said.

Kereama said the Waves had to continue their exceptional defence to keep winning matches.

“We pride ourselves on our defence, especially at home,” Kereama said.

“We know we are fit, we are strong and we are going to pride ourselves on that and not give up anything easy.”

Moore and Graham’s offensive work was praised by their coach.

“We went inside early and that led to more open outside looks later in the match,” Kereama said.

“Our offensive motion and movement allowed those players [Graham and Moore] to play with freedom and use their own flare then find open players.”

Lightning coach Jeremi Moule said he was disappointed in his side’s defence.

“Defensively we struggled to defend the paint and the three-point line – we could get one done but not both and their three-point shooting is what blew the score out faster than we could make up,” Moule said.

“Some of our stuff offensively looked okay but defensively we were just chasing our tail all game.”

Moule said his team needed more time together and had to find a way to defend better and avoid foul trouble.

“Our girls need time playing together, if it takes a few games then that’s what it will take,” Moule said.

The Waves ran out of the blocks to lead 12-4 in the opening minutes.

Graham and Toni Edmondson were both on target for the Waves with seven points each in the first quarter as the Waves led 25-15.

Jess Foley was shooting well for the Lightning but Lindsey Moore and Darcee Garbin started finding the basket as the Waves burst away to a 48-36 lead at half time.

Emma Langford was a force for the Lightning with 10 points in the first half, the same total as both Graham and Edmondson.

Moore caught fire in the third term with seven quick points as the Waves won the term 28-15 to lead 76-51 at the final change.

Waves veteran Deanna Smith made a solid return from long term injury with eight points in 22 minutes.

The Waves visit Townsville for a game this coming Sunday while the Lightning hosts Dandenong Rangers at Adelaide Arena this Thursday at 5pm.

Article from WNBL.com.au