Wolves on verge of final four
Wanneroo Wolves are just one victory away from knocking out defending men's State Basketball League champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers after winning game one of their quarter-finals series.
The Wolves overran Willetton to win 97-86 in the opening game of the best-of-three quarter-finals series at Willetton Basketball Stadium.
Defeat left the Tigers' hopes of winning back-to-back titles on the verge of falling at the first hurdle, as they'll now have to win games two and three next week at Joondalup Basketball Stadium, where the Wolves won 10 of their 13 games during the regular season.
Matthew Schmechtig had one of his best games of the season with 23 points and seven rebounds to help set up Wanneroo's victory. Greg Hire (20 points and 19 rebounds), Damian Matacz (18 points) and Perth Wildcats guard Brad Robbins (seven assists and three steals) also made vital contributions.
Just like he has done throughout the season, import Robert Kampman starred for the Tigers with 26 points and 17 rebounds, while veteran Mark Jones added 20 points and 13 rebounds, but they lacked support.
While Wanneroo had a comfortable advantage throughout the fourth quarter, Willetton did a good job of sticking with its second-seed opponents for most of the match.
The home side led late in the second quarter but the Wolves took a four-point lead at the main break and extended it to six after a tight third quarter, where the margin barely fluctuated.
But Wanneroo went on a 12-4 run early in the fourth period and that was enough to take control of the game and see off a gallant Tigers outfit.
Willetton out-rebounded the Wolves and shot at a better percentage from the field and free-throw line. But it was the six extra turnovers the Tigers made and their ill-discipline - which saw Wanneroo attempt 41 free-throws compared to their 14 - that were the biggest differences.
Game two of the series is Saturday at Wanneroo, with game three (if required) on Sunday afternoon.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Wayne Wright (Wayne Wright Photography)
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