Lightning's perfect start ended by Willetton (Saturday Night SBL Wrap)
Willetton Tigers got their men’s State Basketball League title defence back on track with an upset 78-77 victory over Lakeside Lightning in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final.
The Tigers came into the match with losses in three of their first four games but were still able to overturn a 10-point deficit with less than seven minutes left and claim the win.
Travis Moore led Willetton with 18 points and 16 rebounds while Luke Payne (21 points) top-scored for Lakeside, who were without star import Ben Beran for their first loss of the season.
Cockburn Cougars ensured they remained unbeaten after three rounds with a thrilling 91-90 win against Wanneroo Wolves.
Cougars import Stanley Ocitti scored 30 points to continue his outstanding form, while Greg Hire led the Wolves with 24 points.
East Perth Eagles centre Tom Jervis (25 points and 23 rebounds) helped his side hand Rockingham Flames their first defeat of the season, an 87-71 result.
Goldfields Giants overturned a half-time deficit to beat Perry Lakes Hawks 100-92, their second straight victory, thanks largely to Darnell Dialls (25 points).
Perth Redbacks accounted for Stirling Senators 120-96 to claim their second win of the round, led by Ryan Neill’s 32 points.
Geraldton Buccaneers ended a three-game losing streak to claim a 100-67 victory over Southwest Slammers, on the back of an impressive performance from new import Todd Brown (30 points).
In women’s action, Stirling caused a massive upset with a 67-51 win over the Redbacks, led by Michelle Joy’s 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Elsewhere, Cockburn continued its impressive start to the season with a 63-62 victory against Wanneroo, Willetton overturned a half-time deficit to beat Lakeside 70-56 and East Perth thrashed Rockingham 87-50.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
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