The Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers smashed the depleted Perth Redbacks in a percentage boosting 91-56 win on Saturday night.

The Tigers were looking to increase their finals chances with a win against the higher placed Redbacks and came out to play.

Strong defensive pressure and turnovers saw the Tigers head into the first break with a ten point lead.

This was the closest the Redbacks were able to get for the rest of the game as the Tigers continued to keep the visitors at bay maintaining their ten point margin into half time.

Willetton were only able to extend their lead to 15 in the third after the visitors hit foul trouble sending the home side to the line.

Perth struggled to cover injuries to Michael Vigor, Adrian Majstrovich and Ryan Neill and the Tigers finally pulled away in the fourth, outscoring the Redbacks 22 to 12.

Alex Prince who scored 17 of his 25 points in the final period including five three-pointers led the charge and was supported by Travis Moore (15 points) and Ephrem Davis (9 rebounds).

Blake Bender impressed for the Redbacks with 15 points and 15 rebounds but the side was let down by their poor shooting percentage of just 25% and failure to convert turnovers.

Earlier, the Willetton women secured their sixth straight win defeating the Redbacks 85-57.

The second place Tigers impressed with a strong shooting percentage and a high number of rebounds and assists.

Vice-Captain Jasmine Hooper (21 points, 10 rebounds) was the best for the Tigers while Jessica Jackens (15 points) performed for the Redbacks.

The Tigers women will next week play the South West Slammers in an enticing top of the table clash that could determine the minor premiership.

Article by Lucy Morrison
Photo by Mick Cronin