Buccs, Lightning win comfortably (Men's Wrap)
Geraldton has two chances to clinch the best-of-three series at Willetton next week and advance to the title decider, where it is likely to face Lakeside Lightning.
Lakeside needs to win just one of the two home games next week to advance after beating Southside Mitsubishi Perth Redbacks 114-92.
The Buccaneers dominated Willetton in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Tigers 67-31 in that time before taking its lead out to 40 points late in the game.
Willetton recovered to make the final score more respectable, but Geraldton will still take all the momentum into the second weekend.
Former NBL big man Ben Pepper had 34 points and 15 rebounds for the Buccaneers, while Ryan Zamroz added 23 points.
Cam Tovey top-scored for the Tigers with 22 points but scored 21 of them before half-time.
Willetton’s only home loss of the year came to Geraldton in April, but the Tigers’ dominant form apart from that will make it confident of getting its campaign for its first title back on track.
Lakeside was always in control against Perth after taking an eight-point lead to the first break.
The Lightning extended its advantage to 15 at the half and 22 by three-quarter-time, allowing it to cruise home to a vital victory in the fourth.
The defending champions were led by imports Ben Beran (30 points) and Luke Payne (29 points), while Jarrad Prue had 27 rebounds.
Jon Meriweather top-scored for the Redbacks with 21 points, while Jesse Wgastaff added 20 and Joel Wagner had 19 points and 10 assists.
Perth has to win twice at Lakeside to advance to its first Grand Final since 1999, a difficult task since the Lightning were 11-2 at home in the regular season.
Purchase your tickets for the SBL Grand Finals now through Ticketmaster or call 1300 136 122.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots/Coustside Media)
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.