Neil strikes in game 400 against Lightning (Friday Wrap)
The Redbacks trailed by 11 points in the third quarter and by six with two minutes left, but veteran Ryan Neil stepped up to get Perth over the line and one game behind fourth place.
Playing in his 400th SBL game, Neil had five points and an offensive rebound in the final two minutes, on his way to a team-high 27 points, and hit the shot that put the Redbacks ahead with just 11 seconds left.
Ben Beran could have put Lakeside three points up with 34 seconds left but missed both his free-throws and allowed Perth to come back.
Lakeside’s hopes of finishing first took a big hit with the loss, which saw it fall one loss behind league leaders Geraldton having played one game less.
Mandurah Magic kept its slim top eight hopes alive after beating Southwest Slammers 81-74.
Southwest led by 14 at half-time and appeared to be on track for its first win of the year, before Mandurah held Southwest scoreless for four minutes late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Magic to come back for a vital win.
Taylor Mullenax had 24 points and 28 rebounds to lead the Magic to within three games of the top eight with one game in hand, while Jason Miller top-scored for the Slammers with 19.
In women’s action, Lakeside consolidated its top eight spot with a 56-50 win over Perth, led by Heidi McNeill (16 points).
Mandurah also moved one win clear of ninth-placed Kalamunda after a 68-57 victory against Southwest, with Shelley Boston top-scoring for the Magic with 15 points.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Marg Prior
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