Flames too hot for Geraldton
Rockingham Flames put a huge dent in Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers' finals hopes with an upset 88-82 win at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Sunday.
Rockingham had lost 10 of its previous 11 games but performed much better against the Buccaneers to end their two-game winning streak and leave them struggling in 11th place.
Geraldton's victory against defending champions Willetton the night before had appeared to get its playoff hopes back on track but defeat to the Flames, who came into the game in 13th spot, saw the Buccaneers fall to two losses behind eighth-placed Perth.
The visitors trailed Rockingham by 14 late in the third quarter but went on a 15-3 run to cut the deficit to two early in the fourth.
But the Flames scored the next seven points to take control of the game and held on for their sixth win of the season, while giving Geraldton its first loss on its three-game road-trip.
Import Jerel Allen starred with 29 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Flames, while Rhett Della Maddalena (18 points and 10 rebounds) and Kent Tribbet (16 points) also impressed.
Although Rockingham only moved up to 12th spot with the win and still has three more losses than the Redbacks, coach Jason Smith said he was still confident his side could make the eight.
"Traditionally, 13-13 gets you in the playoffs, and we can definitely still reach that," he said.
"We've just got to stick to what we're good at, play to our strengths and generally good things will happen."
Smith said the victory highlighted the way his side has gradually improved in recent weeks.
"We've been on a bit of a losing streak after that great start to the season, but the boys have stuck all together. We showed quite a bit tonight," he said.
"The boys played well for 48 minutes and that's all I wanted from them. That was a big relief."
Aaron Ralph continued his good form with 26 points and eight rebounds for the Buccs, while Michael Lay had 20 points and eight assists before fouling out late in the game, but it wasn't enough for their side to avoid its 10th defeat of the season.
Geraldton will be out to salvage its finals chances when it wraps up its road-trip against Perth on Monday, while the Flames next face Wanneroo on Saturday.
Article by Jacob Kagi at Mike Barnett Sports Complex
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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