Perth Lynx have vowed to bounce back from the heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Townsville Fire in the WNBL grand final series on Friday night.
The star-studded side were beaten in a rollercoaster game two of the grand final series going down 80-70, following a fourth quarter surge from the home side.
The Fire knocked down 17 straight points at the beginning of the final term, ending the hopes of a third and final game in Western Australia.
The Lynx were chasing the chance to take home their first title since 1992 with a win over the home side.
Lynx coach Andrew Stewart said the defeat would help motivate his squad to bounce back next year.
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"There are some real positives we can take as a group from getting this far.
"We gave it everything and they beat us so they are worthy champions," he said.
Perth had every chance to force the championship to a third game as the team rallied together in the second half.
The determined outfit put together a stunning 18-0 scoring run in the third to put pressure on the reigning champions.
Import Sami Whitcomb said she was determined to learn from the experience and bounce back next year.
"It's going to take a while to be able to get passed this but we would definitely love to be back here with this group again next year," she said.
