Lightning ready to strike back against Willetton (Round 14 MSBL Preview)
Lakeside Lightning will be looking to continue their dominant men's State Basketball League form with victory against Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers in Friday's Grand Final rematch.
The Tigers were the winners in last year's title decider but first-placed Lakeside has had the more successful season so far, losing just two of its 17 games.
But fifth-placed Willetton has won four of its past five games and will be confident of causing an upset, especially after beating the Lightning at home earlier in the season.
Perth Wildcats star Matt Knight, who has played a huge role in Willetton's resurgence, will be crucial to his side's chances while Lakeside will be hoping key import Ben Beran can recapture his best form and lead them to victory.
Top four side Wanneroo Wolves will be hoping to maintain the pressure on Lakeside by beating Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers are all but out of finals contention and Wanneroo will be looking to take advantage of their poor form and stay close to the league leaders.
Geraldton also faces the Southwest Slammers, who are still trying to break through for their first win of the year.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants will be desperate to get back into form with a home victory against the struggling Perth Redbacks, who dropped out of the top eight after two heartbreaking losses last round.
The Giants have slipped to seventh spot after losing four of their past five games and could fall out of the top eight if they lose to Perth.
And victory for the ninth-placed Kalamunda Eastern Suns against strugglers Rockingham Flames would increase the pressure on the Giants and Redbacks.
Rockingham also meets Australian Central East Perth Eagles, who moved into the top eight last weekend and will be hoping to maintain their good form.
ATD Stirling Senators will be desperate to get back into form following a pair of tough losses last week by upsetting top-two side Cockburn Cougars, who have lost only once at home this season.
Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks will be looking to extend their three-game winning streak with a home win over Mandurah Magic, who also play the Slammers earlier in the round.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.