With only two rounds to go in the men’s state basketball league the Wanneroo Wolves and Lakeside Lightning are both set for a big weekend which could determine the minor premiership.

The Wolves, who have never won a minor premiership, take on the third place Mandurah Magic away on Friday night and then head home to host the second place Lakeside Lightning on Saturday night.

Whilst the Magic are 9-3 at home and have been in solid form all season, the Wolves remain undefeated on the road and their form, with 15 consecutive wins, cannot be faulted.

The game of the round will be the top of the table clash, the Wolves will be fancied with their outstanding form and Lakeside also struggling with injuries to imports Ben Beran and Luke Payne in recent weeks.

Lakeside start their crucial weekend against the tenth place Kalamunda Eastern Suns on Friday night, the Eastern Suns need to win their remaining four games and hope other results go their way if they are to have a make the finals.

Kalamunda continue to impress since the mid-season arrival of import Lee Roberts after a poor start to the season, Roberts is shooting at 50% and averaging 22.9 points, 19.9 rebounds and 4 assists in his nine games.

The Eastern Suns also face the South West Slammers at home on Saturday night to round out their double-header weekend.

Goldfields Giants return home to take on the fifth place East Perth Eagles on Saturday, the Eagles have their sights on a top four position and will be looking to extend their seven game winning streak.

Perth Redbacks are not yet safe in the top eight having lost three of their past five games as they continue to struggle with key injuries, their weekend starts when they host the struggling Stirling Senators.

Saturday night is a much more crucial game for the Redbacks when they visit the Willetton Tigers, there is a chance both teams could finish with an equal record and head to head could be important come next weekend.

Geraldton Buccaneers hit the road and will be needing a faultless weekend if they are to continue their late season push for a finals berth with games against Stirling on Saturday and Perry Lakes Hawks on Sunday.

Geraldton are 9-14 and will need to win their remaining three games and hope that other results go their way if they are to avoid missing the finals for two seasons in a row which would be a first in their history.

Cockburn Cougars will be hoping to hold onto their top four position and home court advantage in the finals with a win against the seventh place Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday night at home.

Star Cougars youngster and Wildcats development player Damien Scott has been placed on the injury list with a fractured hand which is a blow as the Cougars look for support around imports Jeremiah Wilson and Brian Carlwell.

In a bottom of the ladder clash the Slammers take on Rockingham Flames on Friday night in a game that could determine who manages to avoid the wooden spoon.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Photo by Mick Cronin