Lakeside's dominance continues (Finals Week One MSBL Wrap)
Lakeside Lightning's outstanding men's State Basketball League season continued with a comfortable win over the in-form Australian Central East Perth Eagles in the quarter-finals.
The Lightning won 110-91 in game one of the best-of-three series, breaking a streak which had seen the Eagles win 11 of their past 14 games.
Lakeside's 17th-straight victory put it in the box seat to progress to the semi-finals, as the minor premiers have two chances to wrap up the series next week at home, where they are undefeated this season.
American forward Ben Beran was the star of the game, making seven of his 13 three-point attempts on his way to 52 points while also adding seven rebounds and five blocks for the Lightning.
And Lakeside was able to limit the effectiveness of Perth Wildcats guard Drew Williamson, who had just 18 points for the Eagles.
Reigning champions Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers need a miracle to avoid elimination after falling 97-86 to second seed Wanneroo Wolves.
The Tigers must win twice at Joondalup Basketball Stadium next week to advance to the semis and seems highly improbable since the Wolves won by 64 points last time the two sides met at the venue.
Matthew Schmechtig (23 points) led the Wolves, while Robert Kampman had 26 points for the Tigers, who will be without Wildcats pair Cameron Tovey and Matt Knight for the whole series.
A late comeback saw Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks beat ATD Stirling Senators 88-83.
Stirling led by five at three-quarter-time but the fourth-placed Hawks controlled the final period to take a one-game lead into games two and three (if required) at home next weekend.
The Hawks were able to limit star Senators import Lee Roberts to nine points, with Anthony Lee (23 points) starring in victory.
And third seed Cockburn Cougars held off a fight-back from Perth Redbacks to win 104-98.
The Redbacks, who were without Wildcats star Jesse Wagstaff, trailed by 11 early in the final quarter but cut that margin to four with three minutes left before Cockburn lifted and held on.
Import Stanley Ocitti had 32 points for the Cougars, while veteran forward Adrian Majstrovich starred for the Redbacks with 30 points and 16 rebounds.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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