East Perth turned the tables on last year’s grand final foe Cockburn with a 114-95 win in their season opener at Wally Hagan Stadium on Saturday.

Perth Wildcats development players Gavin Field and Damien Scott combined for 38 points for the Cougars, but the potent offensive displays weren’t enough to inspire their side to a first-up victory.

Field fired a game-high 27 points at 63 per cent and Scott added 19 points, but it was former Wildcats prospect Tom Jervis who stole the show with a dominant performance.

Jervis scored 24 points and had 15 rebounds for the Eagles, who will take plenty of confidence from their impressive win.

Scott’s night was somewhat soured when he conceded an opening round-high tally of nine turnovers.

The teams were locked at 36-36 after the first period, but East Perth gradually wore down Cockburn and took control in the final quarter.

Jarrad Balcombe and Elgar Tamsalu scored 17 points each for the Eagles, with the latter nailing 7-of-8 field goal attempts.

Title hopefuls Geraldton got off to the worst possible start with a pair of defeats on their southern road trip.

The Buccaneers were beaten 90-86 by the South West Slammers on Saturday night before slumping to a 98-91 defeat to Mandurah Magic on Sunday.

Despite the two losses, import Jamine Peterson put his hand up for player of the week honours with a pair of standout performances.

Peterson starred with 36 points and 10 rebounds on Saturday night against the Slammers and backed that up with 38 points and 13 rebounds against the Magic.

The American recruit was nearly forced to sit out the first week of the season, but was cleared to play about 24 hours before tip-off against the Slammers.

Beaten 2012 semi-finalists Lakeside and Wanneroo signalled their intentions to challenge for honours again with comfortable wins over Stirling.

The Lightning opened their season with a 115-66 win over the Senators on Friday, with Brad Jackson’s 29-point haul the highlight.

On Saturday it was Wanneroo’s turn, as the Wolves inflicted a 105-88 defeat on their local rivals.

Damian Matacz scored 24 points for the Wolves, with Wildcats development player Trian Iliadis adding 23 points.

Wildcats assistant coach Shawn Dennis guided his Perry Lakes team to two opening-round wins in his first outings as the Hawks’ head coach.

Dennis’ side scored impressive victories over Kalamunda Eastern Suns (99-64) and Mandurah (87-76).

Elsewhere, Perth Redbacks beat Goldfields 88-81 on the road and Willetton accounted for Rockingham 121-97 at home.

Photo by Serene Maisey (Serene Elise Photography)