Tigers into Grand Final
The Tigers will face southern suburbs rivals Lakeside Lightning in the title decider on August 21 after coming back from 1-0 to take the series in the deciding game.
Willetton has never won a championship, with its Grand Final appearances in 2002 and 2008 both losing efforts, while Geraldton will have to wait another year to end its drought, with its last title coming in 2000.
The hosts trailed by nine after five minutes but recovered from its slow start to take the lead late in the first quarter and hold onto it from there.
The closest Geraldton came after quarter-time was when the margin was two points late in the second period, but Willetton established an eight point lead at the main break and extended it to 15 at three-quarter time.
Daniel Johnson top-scored for Willetton with 30 points while fellow NBL player Cam Tovey had a triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists.
Ryan Zamroz led Geraldton with 30 points while point guard Daniel Thomas was also impressive with 24 points and nine assists.
Willetton coach Shayne Hampel said he was pleased with the way his side responded under pressure.
“We had to work hard because Geraldton are a tough side. We were lucky we had two home games to finish the series,” he said.
“They were always going to come out after last night’s game and we had to be ready for that.
“Our boys fought hard. We had some foul trouble but we worked hard to overcome it.”
Willetton’s women also qualified for the Grand Final after defeating Southside Mitsubishi Perth Redbacks 75-50 in game three.
The five-time champion Tigers will face six-time winners Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks in the championship game next Friday.
Melissa Marsh and Zoe Harper each had 14 points for the Tigers, while Kate Malpass added 14 points.
Brooke Hiddlestone led the Redbacks with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Willetton lost game one at Perth but won game two by eight points to send the series to the deciding game.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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