The Australian Central East Perth Eagles defeated the SKILLED Goldfield Giants 114 – 101 on Saturday.

Victory saw East Perth move within one win of a top eight spot, but it may have come at a cost after star point guard Daniel Thomas was forced from the court with an apparent groin injury early in the third quarter and didn't return.

The result was a major blow to Goldfields' top four hopes, as their fourth loss from their past five games saw them slump to seventh spot, two wins behind fourth-placed Perry Lakes.

But the Giants, in their first game of a three-game road-trip this long weekend, came out strong and made the first score of the game.

East Perth was determined to start well after its Friday night loss though and matched the visitors basket for basket to tie the game at 24-all at quarter-time.

The Giants were again the first to score after the break but the Eagles then reeled off the next eight points, only to have the Giants hit back with five straight points of their own.

Matthew Rosinski kept the Giants in the game with his 21 first half points and was assisted by the tough Dwayne Radcliffe who went into the break with 13 points.

But the Giants couldn’t contain the spark of Aaron Wigg, coming off the bench and contributing six points, and the rampaging Thomas, who led all scores at the half with 22 points to help the Eagles take a 62-51 half-time lead.

The Giants took advantage after Thomas was forced off with injury and started to chip away at the Eagles lead. They got to within eight points, but the hosts managed to keep Goldfields at bay and took an 11-point lead into the last break.

The fourth quarter saw the Giants come out with renewed vigour and score the first six points to cut the deficit to five.

But veteran Andrew McLennan came off the bench to spark the Eagles, registering four points and a steal in 10 seconds. The Eagles managed to match the hot hand of Rosinski and finished the game with an ally oop to Tom Jervis to seal a 114 – 101 win.

Eagles guard Jarrod Balcombe, who top-scored for the team with 27, said he was pleased with his side's spirited performance.

"This was a must-win game for us to keep our playoff hopes alive," he said.

"We were disappointed with the game last night and knew this was our opportunity to bounce back. Tonight the team was determined to win."

Balcombe was supported by Thomas (22 points), Perth Wildcats guard Drew Williamson, who had 19 points and seven rebounds and Corey Easley (14 points).

Rosinski was Goldfields' best with 37 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Radcliffe added 20 points and nine rebounds and Darnell Dialls had 17 points and eight rebounds.

Article by Leigh Dalton at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre
Photo by Mick Cronin

Follow the SBL on Facebook