Lightning seeking Grand Final revenge (Round Three MSBL Preview)
Lakeside Lightning will be desperate to avenge last season’s Grand Final loss to Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers when the two sides meet in round three of the men’s State Basketball League.
The Tigers won their first championship with a 107-96 victory in the 2010 title decider, but the Lightning have been the more impressive side early this season and will start favourites for Saturday’s clash.
Forward Ben Beran has averaged more than 30 points per game to lead Lakeside to a 3-0 record, while Willetton has struggled to a 1-2 start in the absence of Perth Wildcats stars Matt Knight and Cam Tovey.
The Tigers also travel to bottom side ATD Stirling Senators on Friday night, with the Senators still searching for their first win of the season.
Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers and Southwest Slammers will both be looking for their first win of the season when they meet on Saturday.
Buccaneers import Michael Lay is expected to be available for the first time this season, while fellow American Todd Brown, who missed the first two rounds with a shoulder injury, is a chance to return.
Cockburn Cougars put their unbeaten record on the line when they meet Wanneroo Wolves on Saturday and Mandurah Magic on Sunday.
Cougars star Stanley Ocitti has led his side to three straight victories with nearly 25 points per game, but the fourth placed Wolves will be helped by the return of Wildcats development player Greg Hire.
Wanneroo also meets Australian Central East Perth Eagles, who will be looking to make amends for a heartbreaking three-point loss to SKILLED Goldfields Giants in round two.
Rockingham Flames will be desperate to keep maintain their perfect start when they face East Perth (1-1) and local rivals Mandurah (1-2) in a tough doubleheader.
Perth Redbacks will be looking to get their title ambitions back on track following a 36-point loss to Lakeside last week when they face Kalamunda Eastern Suns, who have won their last two games. The Redbacks also face Stirling on Saturday.
Goldfields and Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks both won last week and will be hoping to maintain that momentum when they meet on Saturday.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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