Buccs still have work to do
Evans was a picture of satisfaction following Saturday’s 106-82 SBL quarter final victory over Perry Lakes Hawks.
But the job is far from complete.
The focus shifts to the colossal first semi-final test against Willetton Tigers at Tip Top Stadium.
The Tigers also secured a 2-0 series sweep when they overcame Goldfields Giants 104 to 85 to book their place in the last four.
Evans was adamant the Buccs can overcome favourites Willetton if they show the same determination displayed against the Hawks.
“If we play with that intensity and that hunger against Willetton we can beat them and get to the grand final,” Evans said.
“But we need to prepare and get ready for Willetton because it’s going to be tough.
“We haven’t done anything yet, there’s a long way to go.”
Sparks flew half way through the first quarter.
Hawks’ spearhead Peter Crawford was sent from the court for a head-butt on Buccs’ forward Aaron Ralph.
Surprisingly it took nothing away from the Hawks’ bite.
The 2009 runners-up fought back from 17-2 down but the Buccs lead 27-16 at the first change.
Tom Witts laid down a three at the start of the second term to beef up the home team’s sway on the scoreboard.
Ben Purser and Robert Kempf fought hard for the Hawks on the glass in a stern contest with the Buccs’ tall timbers Matt Wundenberg and Ben Pepper.
After going in at the break 50-37, the Buccs began the third term with the same venom displayed in the first.
Brian Connelly and Pepper were instrumental inside the paint and the lead blew out to 20 points.
Ryan Zamroz topped the score charts once again with 24 points and buzzed around the keyway all night.
The Buccs had one foot in the semis at the final change thanks to a commanding 78-56 lead.
Kempf tried desperately to keep his team’s aspirations alive with two baskets from brave rebound contests.
But it was Pepper who rubbed the salt in the Hawks’ wounds. The former NBL big man smashed in two from the charity stripe to send the score to the ton mark and the Hawks packing for another year.
Article by Thomas Davis (Geraldton Guardian)
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots/Courtside Media)
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