Redbacks red hot (Saturday Night Wrap)
Perth Redbacks' impressive start to the new men's State Basketball League season continued as they thrashed 2011 Grand Finalists Perry Lakes Hawks 110-94 on Saturday.
The Redbacks were one of the most disappointing sides of last year but have vastly improved so far this season, with victory their third straight to start the campaign.
Adrian Majstrovich was outstanding for Perth with 26 points, while Shane Ross' 14 points couldn't prevent Perry Lakes from slumping to its first loss of the season.
Mandurah Magic also kept up their significant improvement by beating Stirling Senators 96-86.
The Magic, who finished second from bottom in 2011, have won two of their first three matches of the new season after Taylor Mullenax led them to victory with 37 points.
South West Slammers put years of misery behind them to earn a vital 102-91 win over East Perth Eagles.
The Bunbury side had won just one of its previous 65 games but proved far too strong for winless East Perth, with Carlos White (30 points and 13 rebounds) doing the bulk of the damage.
Fellow regional side Geraldton Buccaneers also signalled their improvement by upsetting Willetton Tigers in a 82-80 thriller.
Geraldton saw its 10 point lead early in the final quarter reduced to one with three minutes left, but Michael Lay's 29 points proved enough for the win.
But Goldfields Giants couldn't make it a perfect night for the country teams, losing 91-86 in overtime to Cockburn Cougars.
Brian Carlwell had 24 points in 2011 semi-finalist Cockburn's first win this year.
In women's action, the Slammers made extended 2011 runner-up East Perth's winless streak to three games with a 67-55 victory.
Elsewhere, Perth continued its strong form by comfortably beating Perry Lakes 57-43 and Stirling caused a massive upset by thrashing Mandurah 67-48.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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