Redbacks fall short as finals set (Women's Wrap)

THE women's SBL regular season for 2013 came to a close for 2013 with the Perth Redbacks just missing out on a finals spot as the Willetton Tigers now enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seeds.

Now with the regular season concluded the Willetton Tigers (17-5) have finished atop the standings followed by the Rockingham Flames (16-6), Wanneroo Wolves (16-6) and Lakeside Lightning (13-9).

Making up the top-eight is the Kalamunda Eastern Suns (12-10), Stirling Senators (11-11), Cockburn Cougars (11-11) and Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers (11-11).

The season is now all over for the BOQ Perth Redbacks (10-12), Perry Lakes Hawks (9-13), Mandurah Magic (5-17) and Toll Ipec Eagles (1-21).

The Friday night women's SBL results saw the Kalamunda Eastern Suns beat the East Perth Eagles 55-48 and then the Perth Redbacks down the Perry Lakes Hawks 51-49.

The Suns put an end to the Eagles' horror season on Friday at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre with a seven-point triumph. East Perth finishes up in last place and having lost 18 straight matches.

Then the Perth Redbacks finished their 2013 campaign on a high as well and ending any hope the Perry Lakes Hawks had of playing finals with a two-point win at the WA Basketball Centre.

Marita Payne led the way for the Redbacks with 18 points, 14 rebounds, seven blocked shots and four assists in an outstanding all-round performance. Gabriella Clayton finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Hawks.

Then on Saturday night to close out the regular season for 2013, the Willetton Tigers beat the South West Slammers 62-46, the Lakeside Lightning downed the Wanneroo Wolves 76-67, the Perry Lakes Hawks prevailed over the Cockburn Cougars 64-60 and the Kalamunda Eastern Suns beat the Mandurah Magic 70-54.

The Tigers wrapped up top spot with a comfortable 16-point win over the defending champion Slammers at Eaton Recreation Centre with the result also securing South West in eighth position.

The Lakeside Lightning ensured Wanneroo could finish no higher than third with a nine-point victory over the Wolves at Joondalup Basketball Stadium meaning the Lightning would also finishing in fourth spot after a strong finish to the season.

The Cockburn Cougars secured their place in the finals with a hard fought four-point win over the Perry Lakes Hawks at Wally Hagan Stadium. A loss for the Cougars could have seen the Redbacks sneak into the eight.

The Kalamunda Eastern Suns then locked away fifth position with a comfortable 16-point win over the second-last Mandurah Magic at Ray Owen Sports Centre.

The star individual performers on Saturday night included Lisa Wallbutton being terrific for the Tigers against the Slammers with 18 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Kimberly Sitzmann had 14 points and 11 boards for the Slammers.

Jessica Beran finished with 17 points for the Lightning with Krystal Stoneking and Nikita-Lee Martin led the way for the Wolves with 29 points and seven rebounds.

Emma Pass had 17 points and 14 rebounds for Cockburn in the win and Kate Anthony finished with 21 points for the Hawks.

Melissa Moyle top-scored for the Suns with 14 points and Ashlee Sidebottom led the way for the Magic with 18 points.

Article by Chris Pike

Photo by Deprimo Photography




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