Cougars out for Giant bounce-back (Round 17 MSBL Preview)
Cockburn Cougars will be looking to stop their slide down the men's State Basketball Ladder when they travel to face SKILLED Goldfields Giants for a crucial round 17 clash.
The Cougars led the league after eight rounds but have lost three-straight and could drop out of the top four if they lose to the Giants, who will be desperate to break a streak of four-consecutive losses in Kalgoorlie.
And Goldfields needs to win at least two of its last four games to have any hope of making the finals, although they may have to do it without star import Matthew Rosinski, who is in doubt with a knee injury.
The game is also a homecoming of sorts for Cockburn coach Stephen Charlton, who led the Giants to the 2007 and 2008 titles before leaving to take over at the Cougars last year.
Australian Central East Perth Eagles will be desperate to bounce back from last week's shock loss in Geraldton when they host the in-form Wanneroo Wolves.
The Eagles may have to overcome the absence of Perth Wildcats star Drew Williamson, who is in doubt with injury, while Wanneroo will be looking to extend its six-game winning streak and all but ensure a second-placed finish.
The Wolves will be heavy favourites against Southwest Slammers, who are bottom of the league and have won just one of their past 60 MSBL games, dating back to mid-2009.
Perth Redbacks could all but ensure a place in the top eight if they can beat both Rockingham Flames and Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks. But the Hawks have won five of their past six and will be favourites for Saturday's clash.
The struggling Flames also face defending champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers, who will be looking to maintain their momentum after upsetting Cockburn last week.
Kalamunda Eastern Suns must beat Mandurah Magic and ATD Stirling Senators to maintain realistic finals hopes.
But victory for Stirling against Kalamunda or league leaders Lakeside Lightning will all but ensure their place in the top eight.
Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers will be hoping to improve on a disappointing season with upset victories against Lakeside, which has won 12-straight and will almost certainly finish first, and Perry Lakes.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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