Cockburn continue perfect start (Round Three MSBL Wrap)
Cockburn Cougars finished round three of the men’s State Basketball League on top of the standings as the only undefeated team.
The Cougars won just eight games in 2010 as they slumped to a 10th place finish, their lowest since 1990, but have already claimed five victories this season after beating Wanneroo Wolves 91-90 on Saturday and Mandurah Magic 98-93 on Sunday.
Cougars import forward Stanley Ocitti was again in outstanding form in both wins, with 30 points against the Wolves and 18 points against the Magic.
Cockburn replaced Lakeside Lightning on top of the ladder after they lost 78-77 to Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers in a rematch of the 2010 Grand Final.
The Tigers had lost four of their first five games after a shock 94-90 loss to ATD Stirling Senators on Friday but overturned a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to hand the Lightning their first loss of the season.
Mark Jones (20 points) starred for the defending champions while Luke Payne had 21 points for Lakeside, who were without star import Ben Beran.
Rockingham Flames also saw their unbeaten start end with a 93-73 road loss to Australian Central East Perth Eagles.
Rockingham thrashed local rivals Mandurah 117-88 on Friday, but Tom Jervis led East Perth past the Flames with 25 points and 23 rebounds.
But the Eagles lost 92-87 to Wanneroo on Sunday, as Wildcats development player Greg Hire helped the Wolves break their two-game losing streak with 31 points.
Darnell Dialls had 25 points to lead SKILLED Goldfields Giants to their second straight win, a 100-92 victory over Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks.
Anthony Lee scored 37 points in Perry Lakes’ third loss from four games.
Perth Redbacks moved into second spot with convincing victories over Kalamunda Eastern Suns and Stirling.
Ex-Suns forward Adrian Majstrovich had 44 points to lead the Redbacks to victory over his former side, while NBL guard Joel Wagner had 12 assists in his return for Perth against the Senators.
Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers imports Todd Brown (30 points) and Michael Lay (10 assists) led their side to their first win of the season, a 100-67 triumph over winless side Southwest Slammers.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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