Tigers strike for top spot
Both the Southlands Willetton Tigers Men and Women have successfully climbed to the top of the State Basketball League ladder with tough victories over neighbors, the Lakeside Lightening.
The Tigers Women had no problem with the Lightning who where keen to snatch back to back wins after coming up big Friday night against the Mandurah Magic at home.
Another strong first quarter for the Tigers (25-9) saw them in control for the entire game as they downed the Lightning 68-50.
Young guard Jasmine Hooper was just two passes short of recording a triple double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
Hooper was amongst four Tigers to reach double figures for the game with guards Malpass, Marsh and Morgan chipping away with 18, 13 and 12 points respectively.
The Tigers Men were facing their greatest challenge of the season facing off against the top of the table, defending champions in the Lakeside Lightning Men.
Despite sporting the home court advantage, the Tigers were very much given the underdog label with a big hole left in their scoring department by the absence of Daniel Johnson, Alex Prince, Josh Johnson and Mitch Clarke.
The Lightning Men showed signs of breaking the game open early pushing their lead out to 12 in a game where points were hard to come by.
The depleted Tigers fought to stay in contention entering the change rooms at the half trailing by 7.
The character of the Tigers Men came out in the fourth with a complete defensive lockdown causing a long scoring drought for the Lightning who struggled to turn the scoreboard over only putting up 6 points in the final term.
Some big time shooting from swingman Marc Jones rattled the Lightning who coughed up an 8 point lead midway through the fourth.
The Tigers Men claimed their biggest victory of the season, coming from behind to grab top of the MSBL standings 69-62.
The next challenge for the Tigers Men and Women will come Saturday night as they face the Perry Lakes Hawks at the new WA Basketball Centre.
With both teams sitting on top of the ladder, the Women will look to extend their amazing streak to 10 wins while the Men will look to welcome back many of the missing Tigers into action.
Our next home game at ‘The Boulevarde’ is on Friday 14th May versing Bunbury Slammers. Women tip off at 6.30pm and men at 8.30pm.
Article by Willetton Tigers
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.