A brave Geelong United took it right up to the Perth Lynx eventually going down by three points at Geelong Arena.
Perth looked set to cruise to a comfortable victory in Sunday’s match after opening a seven-point lead with just 30 seconds remaining.
But a pair of three-point bombs from Jazmin Shelley and Gemma Potter closed the margin to one point with 10 seconds left.
Lynx star Amy Atwell nailed two free-throws with eight seconds remaining to extend the gap to three points.
Geelong’s Elissa Brett had a three-point attempt to tie the scores as the clock wound down but missed, ensuring Perth secured a sixth straight win, 80 to 77.
Atwell top scored for the Lynx with 22 points, while Miela Sowah (14 points), Laeticia Amihere (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Anneli Maley (11 points, 11 rebounds) were also crucial.
Alex Sharp (16 points, 10 rebounds), Shelley (16 points, five rebounds) and Brett (13 points) led the way for fifth-placed Geelong (5-9).
The result improved Perth’s record to 12-3, keeping them just one win adrift of the Spirit (13-2).
Bendigo retained top spot on the ladder with an 80-62 win over the Sydney Flames on Sunday.
Veronica Burton and Sami Whitcomb scored 18 points apiece for the Spirit, while Kelsey Griffin added 12 points to go with her nine rebounds.
Shaneice Swain (14 points) and Celeste Taylor (11 points) were the only Flames players to reach double figures.
Fourth-placed Sydney (5-8) remain marginally ahead of Geelong, who started the round with a 76-70 away win over the last-placed Southside Flyers on Wednesday.
The sixth-placed UC Capitals (5-10) posted a 91-76 victory over seventh-placed Adelaide Lightning (5-10) on Friday night.
Capitals star Nyadiew Puoch scored scored 27 points to go with five rebounds, while Charli Collier (19 points, 10 rebounds, three steals) and Chantel Horvat (16 points) were also critical.
Japreece Dean led the way for the Lightning with 17 points and five assists, while Brianna Turner pulled in 16 rebounds.
Lauren Cox scored 25 points as the third-placed Townsville Fire (9-5) overcame a seven-point half-time deficit to post a 73-63 win over Southside Flyers.
Cox’s haul and a handy contribution from Courtney Woods (17 points, seven rebounds) ensured Townsville ran away with the victory.
The Flyers were well led by Naz Hillmon (27 points, 11 rebounds), with Maddi Rocci (14 points) her only teammate to also post double figures.
