Defending champs Willetton knocked out (MSBL Quarter-Finals Wrap)
Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers' men's State Basketball League title defence is over after they blew a big lead to lose the deciding game of their quarter-finals series against Wanneroo Wolves.
After losing game one of the best-of-three series last weekend, the Tigers upset Wanneroo in a 94-89 thriller in game two on Saturday and looked set to complete a remarkable turnaround when they held an 18-point lead early in the third quarter of the third match.
But the Wolves dominated the game from there, outscoring Willetton 61-32 in the second half to advance to the semi-finals.
Perth Wildcats guard Brad Robbins was inspirational for the Wolves in game three with 25 points, while Tigers import Rob Kampman led his side with 22 points.
Wanneroo will face third seed Cockburn Cougars in the semi-finals after they swept Perth Redbacks with a 130-93 thrashing in game two.
American guard Ty Harrelson starred for the Cougars with 50 points to help them eliminate the under-strength Redbacks, who were without injured NBL guard Joel Wagner and Wildcats forward Jesse Wagstaff due to his Australian Boomers commitments.
Youngster Michael Vigor had 30 points for the Redbacks, who trailed by 17 points at half-time and couldn't get back into the match.
In the other semi-final, minor premiers Lakeside Lightning will face fourth seed Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks after they eliminated Australian Central East Perth Eagles and ATD Stirling Senators respectively.
The Lightning had to come from behind to wrap up their series against East Perth but got the 97-90 victory.
East Perth looked set to force the series to a deciding third game when they led by nine points late in the final quarter, but Lakeside came back to clinch the series thanks to Luke Payne's 33 points.
And Perry Lakes overran Stirling to secure a two-nil series victory with a 95-81 game two win.
The Hawks trailed by two points at three-quarter-time but dominated the final period 27-11.
American forward Anthony Lee continued his outstanding season for the Hawks with 38 points and 17 rebounds, while Austin Bruton led Stirling with 18 points as Senators star Lee Roberts was held to just 13 points.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
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.