Sizzling Suns cause a pair of upsets (Round Seven MSBL Wrap)
Upset victories against Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers and Perth Redbacks saw Kalamunda Eastern Suns get their men's State Basketball League finals hopes back on track.
Kalamunda was in 13th spot with a 2-6 record after five straight losses heading into round seven, but shocked the Tigers with a 98-76 win before beating Perth 107-91.
Dean Hadley had 22 points to lead the Suns past Willetton, which lost despite the debut of Perth Wildcats centre Matt Knight, who had 12 points and five rebounds.
And Hadley had 24 points to help Kalamunda overcome Perth, while former Suns star Adrian Majstrovich was restricted to 16 points for the Redbacks.
Luke Payne had 32 points to lead Lakeside Lightning to the top of the ladder with a 91-82 victory over previous leaders Cockburn Cougars.
The Cougars had won seven of their first eight games but were no match for Lakeside, despite the best efforts of Ty Harrelson (20 points).
And the Lightning beat Rockingham Flames 94-85 to consolidate top spot and claim their fifth straight win.
Rockingham has fallen to eighth spot and lost four straight games after also losing 113-95 to local rivals Mandurah Magic, who were led by Taylor Mullenax (34 points).
Willetton bounced back from its loss to the Suns with a 99-90 victory against the Magic, which saw the defending champions climb up to sixth spot.
Knight had 15 points from just 21 minutes for the Tigers, while Mullenax continued his outstanding form with 39 points for Mandurah.
Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks recorded a thrilling 87-85 victory over Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers.
Andy Burns (24 points) helped the Hawks climb to fifth spot, while the Buccaneers remain just outside the top eight.
Michael Jones had 26 points to carry ATD Stirling Senators to a 104-94 win against Australian Central East Perth Eagles.
But the Senators fell to a 117-106 loss to Wanneroo Wolves on Saturday, with Greg Hire's 31 points enough to keep the Wolves in third spot.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants consolidated their top four spot with a 92-82 victory against winless side Southwest Slammers.
Matthew Rosinski top-scored for the Giants with 30 points.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
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