Cockburn clips Eagles' wings
The Cockburn Cougars have had a successful start to the long weekend with a hard-fought 25-point win against the Australian Central East Perth Eagles at Wally Hagan Stadium.
After an evenly-matched first quarter, Cockburn turned the game around to beat the Eagles 116-91, a result which consolidated their place in the top two and dealt a major blow to East Perth's finals hopes.
The Eagles, who had won their previous two games, came out strong from the outset and despite placing ninth on the ladder, were up 33-27 on the second-placed Cougars at quarter time.
East Perth centre Tom Jervis and Wildcats guard Drew Williamson both added to the pressure placed on the Cockburn side, scoring 22 points each.
However, the second quarter saw the Cougars fight back and overpower the East Perth defence, with the Eagles big man matched by Cockburn forward Stanley Ocitti.
Ocitti went on to take 10 field goals and two three-pointers on his way to 24 points, outscored only by fellow import Ty Harrelson, who notched up 36 points for the winning side.
Cougars coach Stephen Charlton said he was pleased with the win and said his side would have to keep it up for Saturday's match against third-placed Wanneroo Wolves.
“ The Wolves are in third place so it’s going to be another tough game, but the boys are looking good...they’ll need an early night tonight so we’ll be ready to play in Wanneroo [on Saturday],” he said.
In the women’s league, Metropolis Fremantle Cockburn Cougars also had a thrilling win against the Australian Central Eagles, taking out the match by 10 points.
The Cougars put on the defensive pressure in the first quarter, making it hard for the Eagles to capitalise on scoring opportunities.
Impressive efforts from Cougars Emma Pass (18 points overall) and Courtney Hargreaves (12 points) saw the side lead 20-14 at the end of the first quarter.
Pass scored the first basket of the third quarter, widening the lead as the Eagles failed to block out the attacking Cockburn side.
The final quarter saw the Eagles rush to narrow the gap, and guard Kate Fielding, who was playing in her 200th match, stepped up to the challenge, scoring an impressive three-pointer late in the match to get her side back in contention.
Despite a few last-minute baskets, the sixth-placed Eagles went down 63-53 to a determined Cockburn squad, who are outside the top four only on percentage.
Article by Hannah Jenkins at Wally Hagan Stadium
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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