Defending champions Willetton back in action (Round 13 WSBL Preview)
Fresh off consecutive byes, defending women's State Basketball League champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers will be looking to continue their dominant form this weekend.
The Tigers remarkably haven't played since May 21 as an anomaly in the schedule saw them have back-to-back weekends off, but the league leaders were in outstanding form before their break and will be favoured to continue that when they play Perth Redbacks and Western Stainless Stirling Senators.
Willetton beat Perth in last year's semi-finals so the eighth-placed Redbacks will be out for revenge, and their hopes have been boosted by the expected absence of West Coast Waves players Kate Malpass and Ebony Antonio for the Tigers.
And the ninth-placed Senators are expected to be helped by the return of fellow Waves star Michelle Joy as they try to get their finals hopes back on track following last week's loss to Perth.
Mandurah Magic have won their past four games and will be hoping to maintain the pressure on Willetton with victories against Stirling and Lakeside Lightning.
The Lightning got back into form with a 42-point victory against Southwest Slammers last weekend and need to continue that momentum to upset the Magic and get back into the finals race.
Australian Central East Perth Eagles have fallen to three wins outside the top four with defeats in two of their previous three games and they'll be desperate to get back on track with victory against Perth.
The Eagles, who are the only side to beat Willetton this season, have only been beaten twice at home this season and will be favourites against the Redbacks.
Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks have remained in a top two spot with victories in their past four matches and should again be too strong for the Slammers, who have lost 13 straight since winning their first game of the year.
And Glasscraft Wanneroo Wolves, who also have a four-game winning streak, should consolidate their spot in the top four with victory against bottom side Rockingham Flames, who have lost three consecutive games.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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