Perth too good for Hawks
The Perth Redbacks remain unbeaten in the 2012 SBL Men’s competition with a convincing 110-94 victory over the Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks at the Belmont Oasis Centre on Saturday night.
Both sides went into the week two clash with two wins from as many matches, though it was evident from the opening tip-off that the home side weren’t about to let their winning streak slip just yet.
The Redbacks were ruthless at both ends of the court with solid all round performances by Adrian Majstrovich (26 points, 9 rebounds), Jarrad Prior (19 points) and Michael Vigor (16 points, 14 rebounds).
Ryan Neill (14 points) also featured for the home team this evening, while the skipper Joel Wagner contributed with 10 points and a game-high 10 assists. Best for the Hawks in the mauling were Chris Nolan (14 points), Shane Ross (14 points) and Matthew Rosinski (12 points).
Taking control from the first tip, the Redbacks moved swiftly to a handy 15-point lead at the quarter time break, leaving the Hawks playing catch up and unable to bridge the gap below 10 despite the best efforts in the second term of Nolan, Themi Kailis and Rory Pekin.
Majstrovich and Vigor combined as the Redbacks soldiered on to a game-winning 18-point lead at the main interval, while some razzle-dazzle in the third quarter saw the home side up by 27 points through Majstrovich and Prior who added to their points’ tallies.
A Hail Mary buzzer beating shot by Nolan right on three quarter time was a notable highlight for the Hawks who were gallant in defeat as the players went through the motions in the fourth quarter.
The Hawks showed some fight to cut the final deficit back to 16 points after Neill and Shaun Bennison had helped the Redbacks blow the margin out to a game-high 37 points early in the term.
With the result beyond doubt the Redbacks hierarchy rested their key players ahead of the away game against the Wanneroo Wolves at Joondalup tomorrow.
The Perry Lakes Hawks tackle the Tigers in their next match at Willetton on Friday night.
Earlier in the evening, the Lady Redbacks’ went toe-to-toe with their Hawks’ counterparts throughout the first three quarters before breaking the game open in the fourth term to run out 57-43 winners.
Marita Payne top scored for the home side with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and was ably assisted by Jessica Jakens (9 points, 5 rebounds) and Brooke Hiddlestone (7 points, 14 rebounds).
Best for the Hawks tonight were Gabriella Clayton (14 points, 7 rebounds), Christine Boyd (11 points, 9 rebounds) and Chelsey Boyanich (10 points).
Next matches for the women are the same as the men’s with Perth away to Wanneroo on Sunday and Perry Lakes taking on Willetton on Friday night.
Article by Adam McBride at Belmont Oasis
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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