East Perth Eagles are one step closer to their first ever grand final appearance after taking down defending champions Wanneroo Wolves 82-77 in game one of the best-of-three semi-final series.

The Eagles led throughout the first two quarters and had a ten point lead at half time, however the Wolves rallied in the second half and cut the lead to just two points late in the fourth.

East Perth held steady without experienced guard Joe-Alan Tupaea who fouled out halfway through the fourth and pulled away to win the crucial first match by five points.

Tom Jervis was in superb form for the Eagles finishing with 34 points and 21 rebounds, while veteran Joe-Alan Tupaea had 16 points and five assists.

Jordan Wild was the Wolves best with 23 points and 11 rebounds, in support Damian Matacz finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds and youngster Jackson Hussey had 16 points.

Wanneroo will need their home court advantage in games two and three this weekend if they are to progress to their second straight grand final.

In the other semi-final Cockburn Cougars survived a late charge from Lakeside Lightning to win 98-91 in front of their home crowd on Saturday night.

The Cougars led by 16 points at the last break, however the Lightning came home hard and got to within two points of the lead late in the fourth, however the Cougars held on strong.

Brian Carlwell was a strong inside presence for the Cougars with 23 points and 22 rebounds, while fellow import Jeremiah Wilson finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

The home side also had solid support from Sheldon McIntyre who finished with 15 points, ten rebounds and five assists in his 150th game.

Lakeside were led by star imports Ben Beran (27 points, five rebounds) and Luke Payne (23 points, eight rebounds), while Christopher Sofoulis chipped in with 18 points and five rebounds.

The Lightning will be hoping their home court advantage in games two and three will see them return to form offensively after shooting just 37% from the field and 33% from the three point line against Cockburn.

Both series will play game two on Friday night at Joondalup and Lakeside respectively and game three, if necessary, will be played at the same venues on Saturday night.

The Kickz101 Men’s State Basketball League Grand Final is on Saturday 1 September at the WA Basketball Centre, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase tickets online.

Article by Hannah Coleman
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)