Lakeside Lightning defeated South West Slammers and Stirling Senators in week eighteen men’s state basketball league action, setting up a showdown for top spot with the Wanneroo Wolves.

Guard Simon Cochrane had an impressive triple-double of 18 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Lightning in their 141-97 win against the Slammers on Friday night.

The Lightning continued their winning ways against the Stirling Senators on Saturday registering a 88-82 victory with Jarrad Prue standing tall with 16 points and 22 rebounds.

Lakeside (20-3) have now set up a showdown with Wanneroo (21-2) the two teams meet this weekend at Joondalup Basketball Stadium in a showdown for top spot.

Wanneroo Wolves continued their own impressive form, picking up their fifteenth straight win after a dominant 33 point first quarter set them up for a 102-85 win over the Perry Lakes Hawks.

Jordan Wild top scored for the Wolves with 24 points and 15 rebounds, the import forward was supported by Seb Salinas with 21 points while Greg Hire finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Mandurah Magic defeated Rockingham Flames 106-83 on Friday night, the Magic were led by Taylor Mullenax with 36 points and 14 rebounds, while forward Thomas Remmerswaal had 17 points and 11 rebounds.

After the win the Magic went on to be defeated by the East Perth Eagles 114-100, the Eagles extending their winning streak to seven and are now only just out of a top four position on percentage.

Geraldton Buccaneers caused a big upset and kept their slim finals hopes alive at the same time with a 94-86 victory over the Cockburn Cougars, the Buccs outscored the Cougars 31-20 in the final period on their way to victory.

Morgan Sabia stood tall for the Buccs with 20 points and 15 rebounds while import Jeremiah Wilson was impressive for the Cougars with 31 points and 19 rebounds.

Goldfields Giants remain in contention for a finals spot but dropped a crucial game against Willetton Tigers after defeating the South West Slammers the night before.

Ty Harrelson top scored for the Giants in their 106-99 victory over the Slammers with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists while Senario Hillman was the Slammers best with 26 points.

The Giants then dropped their Sunday game against the Tigers 92-87 leaving them just outside the top eight, Tigers import Ephrem Davis was outstanding with 29 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks.

The win was even more important for the Tigers after they dropped a game to Kalamunda Eastern suns 95-90 on Saturday, import Lee Roberts was on fire with 31 points, 21 rebounds and five steals for the Eastern Suns.

Perth Redbacks picked up an important win to remain in sixth place, taking down the Flames 124-83, the Redbacks were led by Blake Bender with an impressive 39 points and 14 rebounds.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Photo by Serene Maisey (PandaSnap Photography)