Tough task for defending champions Willetton (MSBL Finals Week One Preview)
Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers begin an uphill battle to win their second-straight title when the men's State Basketball League playoffs begin this weekend.
The Tigers face Wanneroo Wolves in game one of the best-of-three quarter-finals at Willetton Basketball Stadium on Saturday night, with games two and three the following weekend at Joondalup.
Willetton, which finished the regular season in seventh spot, will almost certainly be without Perth Wildcats stars Matt Knight and Cam Tovey throughout the playoffs and that will make its task much harder against the highly-fancied Wolves.
Second seed Wanneroo thrashed the Tigers by 64 points last time they met and is the strong favourite to take the series.
Minor premiers Lakeside Lightning enter the playoffs in brilliant form, but will still face a tough challenge against the in-form Australian Central East Perth Eagles.
The Eagles have won nine of their last 11 games but the head-to-head tiebreaker saw them slip to eighth spot and set up a clash with the Lightning.
Lakeside finished six games clear at the top of the table after winning its last 16 matches, but it will need to be at its best to beat East Perth at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre on Friday.
American forward Luke Payne has averaged 30.7 points per game from his last 11 outings and the Eagles will have to stop him to win the series, while Perth Wildcats guard Drew Williamson will be East Perth's key player.
Perth Redbacks will have to overcome the absence of star Wildcats forward Jesse Wagstaff to upset third seed Cockburn Cougars at Belmont Oasis on Saturday.
Wagstaff helped Perth win its last six games and finish sixth but is expected to miss at least game one due to his Australian Boomers commitments.
His unavailability makes the challenge of beating Cockburn, which finished with an 18-8 record, even more difficult for last year's semi-finalists.
In the finals for the first time since 2007, ATD Stirling Senators climbed to fifth after winning their last three games and will be high on confidence when they host northern suburbs rivals Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday.
The Hawks finished fourth despite some indifferent form late in the season and will start as slight favourites as they attempt to win their sixth championship.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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.