Lakeside storm past Giants
Lakeside Lightning have strengthened their grip in top spot in the men's State Basketball League with a 109-81 victory against SKILLED Goldfields Giants on Saturday.
The Lightning came into the match ahead of second placed Cockburn Cougars only on percentage, as both sides had a 9-2 record. But Lakeside's win and Cockburn's overtime loss to Perry Lakes Hawks means last year's runner-up is in sole possession of top spot.
Goldfields had won its previous four and seven of its last eight coming into the match, but its defeat saw it drop down to fifth spot, despite the best efforts of Matthew Rosinski (27 points).
Lakeside looked set to cruise to victory when it jumped out to a 23-point lead early in the third quarter, but the Giants got back in the game with a dominant period, which saw them cut the margin to eight just before the final break.
But the Lightning fought back and took control of the game early in the fourth, a period where they outscored Goldfields 30-14.
Luke Payne led Lakeside with 27 points while Jarrad Prue (15 points and 23 rebounds) was also impressive.
And import forward Ben Beran had 25 points and 13 rebounds in his second game since returning from a back injury which had kept him out for six weeks, but Lakeside coach Andy Stewart said he was still well below his best.
"He's well and truly off his game, but getting him some minutes and getting him up and down, he's starting to look alright," he said.
"I reckon it'll take two or three weeks [to get Beran back to peak form]. His fitness level is good, he just has to get used to playing games again."
Stewart said his side's timing was off at times, but he was still pleased with the performance.
"Having already played a good, tough game against the Eagles last night, to come up against a team that had run four in a row and beat them by 30 was pretty good," he said.
Goldfields scored just two second chance points compared to Lakeside's 20 and the Lightning dominated the rebound count 73-44, both of which are areas the Giants will have to improve to upset Cockburn on Sunday.
Lakeside's next match is in Geraldton next Saturday.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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