Lightning one strike from Grand Final (Friday Wrap)

Lakeside Lightning are just one win away from reaching the men’s State Basketball League Grand Final after beating Perth Redbacks 114-92 in game one of the semi-finals.

The Lightning have two chances to clinch the best-of-three series at home next weekend, with it to face Willetton or Geraldton in the Grand Final if it advances.

The top seed took a commanding lead into half-time and extended it even further in the third before cruising home to a crucial victory.

Ben Beran top-scored for Lakeside with 30 points and Luke Payne had 29, while Jarrad Prue was exceptional in the paint with 10 points and 27 rebounds.

The fourth seeded Redbacks face a massive challenge to win the series, needing to win twice at Lakeside to advance.

Jon Meriweather led Perth with 21 points, while Jesse Wagstaff added 20 and Joel Wagner had 10 assists to go with his 19 points.

Perth matched Lakeside in most statistical categories but had 11 more turnovers than the Lightning, which proved crucial.

In the women’s game, Perth caused a massive upset with a 60-59 win over Willetton Tigers.

The Redbacks held off a late comeback from the Tigers to ensure it just needs to win one of two at Willetton next week to advance to face Perry Lakes or Rockingham in the Grand Final.

Perth forward Brooke Hiddlestone had 17 points and 15 rebounds to help her side end Willetton’s ten-game winning streak.

Jasmine Hooper top-scored for Willetton with 17 points.

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin

Don't forget the Basketball WA Pre-Sale for Grand Final tickets ends 5:00pm Sunday August 8. Click here to purcahse tickets using the code word "BWA".

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