Tigers in a daze after Lightning strike (Round 14 MSBL Wrap)
Lakeside Lightning's incredible men's State Basketball League season has continued with a 60-point thrashing of Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers in a rematch of last year's Grand Final.
The Lightning lost last season's championship decider and were also beaten by Willetton earlier this year, but dominated this encounter through import Luke Payne (26 points) and veteran centre Jarrad Pure (eight points and 23 rebounds) to consolidate their spot at the top of the ladder.
The Tigers were never in contention despite the best efforts of Robert Kampman, who had 15 points, as they fell to their eighth loss of the year.
And defeat was further soured for the defending champions by a calf injury to Wildcats big man Matt Knight, which will see him miss a fortnight and has ruled him out of the upcoming Australian Boomers camp.
Cockburn Cougars stayed within two wins of Lakeside after winning 112-105 against ATD Stirling Senators, who dropped out of the top eight with the loss.
Ty Harrelson was just two rebounds short of a remarkable quadruple-double - finishing with 23 points, 11 assists, 10 steals and eight rebounds - to help Cockburn stay in second spot, while Lee Roberts had 42 points for Stirling.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants also fell out of a finals spot following their 103-97 home loss to Perth Redbacks.
The Giants have lost five of their past six games after Adrian Majstrovich (41 points) led Perth to a victory which saw it move back into the top eight.
And Kalamunda Eastern Suns also climbed into the eight after beating Rockingham Flames 111-103, which was their third-consecutive win.
Rockingham also lost 98-83 to Australian Central East Perth Eagles, who have won their past three games.
Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks survived a major scare to beat Mandurah Magic 84-83, winning the game on a Ben Purser field goal with three seconds left.
But veteran Aaron Trahair (19 points) helped Mandurah beat rivals Southwest Slammers 103-74 the previous night.
Top four side Wanneroo Wolves maintained their good form with a 102-86 win against Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers.
But Geraldton moved within two wins of the top eight after beating the winless Slammers 96-87.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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