Tigers break drought with win over Magic
Defending champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers have finally broken through for their first win of the men’s State Basketball League season, beating Mandurah Magic 81-70 on Sunday.
The Tigers lost their first two games of the year and appeared on track to drop another when they trailed the hosts at three-quarter-time, but overran a gallant Mandurah side with a 23-10 last quarter.
Mandurah had overturned a double-digit Willetton lead to take the lead into the final break, but the Tigers quickly opened up another big gap in the final quarter to ensure victory.
Robert Kampan led Willetton to victory with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Adam Nener had 12 assists.
Import Casey Crevelone produced another impressive effort for the Magic, making 11 of his 16 field goal attempts on his way to 29 points, but Tom Remmerswaal (15 points) was the only other Mandurah player to reach double figures.
The Magic, who finished just outside the top eight last year, also moved to 1-2 with the result.
Tigers coach Shayne Hampel said he thought the time taken for his new-look side to gel was the reason for their early-season struggles.
“I hope that’s the only thing,” he said. “We’ll be alright, but it takes a little time. We have to fight hard at the moment.”
“We’ve got a deep group, but they’ve got to learn to play together defensive and thankfully we knuckled down and showed some positive signs in the last quarter ... it’s about time.”
Earlier, Willetton’s women continued their unbeaten start to the season and moved to the top of the league with a 79-61 win over Mandurah.
The Tigers stormed out to an 11-point quarter-time lead and were never troubled from there in the 2009 Grand Final rematch.
The defending champions have won all three of their matches this season after West Coast Waves players Jasmine Hooper (22 points and 12 rebounds) and Melissa Marsh (20 points) led them to victory.
All-Star Casey Mihovilovich top-scored for the Magic with 21 points, but her side had 23 turnovers and was outrebounded 50-38 in their first loss of the season.
Mandurah meet south metropolitan rivals Rockingham Flames next Friday while Willetton next face Stirling Senators.
Article by Jacob Kagi at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Photo by Darren Speedia (Vision Inspired Photography)
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