Week 1 Men's Semi-Final SBL Wrap
AFTER finishing as the minor premiers it's no surprise to see the Geraldton Buccaneers one win away from the men's SBL grand final for 2014 while the East Perth Eagles are now also in prime position to make it despite having finished seventh at the end of the regular season.
The men's Game 1 semi-final matches on Saturday night saw the Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers beat the Lakeside Lightning 108-102 at Lakeside Recreation Centre and the Vorian Agency East Perth Eagles down the Perth Redbacks 106-98 at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.
The Buccaneers now return home with two opportunities to beat the defending champion Lightning to win through to the grand final while the Eagles have two chances at the WA Basketball Centre this weekend to topple a Redbacks team that was in outstanding form heading into the semi-finals.
The minor premier Buccaneers took a one-nil lead in their semi-final series against the defending champion Lightning thanks to a six-point win on the road on Saturday night.
That means that the Buccs now need to win just one of potentially two matches next weekend at home to qualify for the grand final. If the Lightning wish to make it back to the grand final to defend their championship they must win both games in Geraldton now next weekend.
In Game 1 on Saturday night, the Buccaneers took control of the contest in the third quarter outscoring the Lightning 33 points to 19 to then eventually end up holding on to win by six points.
The Redbacks came into their semi-final series with the Eagles in hot form with an eight-game winning streak, but the Eagles have struck form at the right part of the year and took a one-nil series lead after winning at home on Saturday night by eight points.
That means that Perth has to win both matches next weekend to qualify for the grand final, but with Belmont Oasis unavailable both encounters are scheduled for the neutral venue of the WA Basketball Centre.
The Eagles got off to a hot start leading 67-52 at half-time against the Redbacks and despite scoring just 13 points in the first half, ended up winning by the eight points to take a series lead.
With four outstanding teams playing with plenty at stake, there were a host of players who stood up and delivered strong individual performances as well.
Carter Cook top-scored for the Buccaneers on the night with 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists while shooting a supremely efficient 13-of-19 from the field.
Bennie Lewis also had a terrific night for the Buccs with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists while shooting 8-of-14 from two-point range but 0-of-6 from three-point land and 12-of-16 from the free-throw line.
Aaron Ralph scored another 19 points to go with 10 rebounds and two blocked shots for Geraldton while Matt Wundenberg added 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Jerrah Young 12 points and seven boards.
Brad Tinsley did all he could for the Lightning with 41 points and seven assists on the back of shooting 17-of-28 from the floor.
Brad Jackson also finished with 17 points for Lakeside with Jarrad Prue contributing 14 points and 20 boards, and Chris Sofoulis 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Kyle Armour top-scored for the Eagles with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals with Tom Jervis adding 22 points, 14 boards, five assists and four blocked shots.
Joe-Alan Tupaea was also instrumental in East Perth's win with 16 points and five assists while Mathiang Muo added 13 points and Drew Williamson 12.
Lee Roberts tried hard for the Redbacks finishing with 21 points and 15 rebounds while Stan Okoye, his import partner, added 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.
Jarrad Prior also scored 17 points for Perth while Marshall Nelson contributed 13 points and Joel Wagner 12 to go with 10 assists.
The Game 2 between the Perth Redbacks and the Vorian Agency East Perth Eagles will take place at the neutral venue of the WA Basketball Centre with Belmont Oasis unavailable.
If the Redbacks win that contest, then Game 3 will also be at the WA Basketball Centre on Saturday night.
Game 2 between the Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers and the defending champion Lakeside Lightning takes place at Active West Stadium on Saturday night and then if the Lightning win that, Game 3 will take place at the same venue on Sunday.
SATURDAY MEN'S SEMI FINAL GAME 1 SBL MATCHES
Lakeside Lightning 102 lost to Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers 108
Vorian Agency East Perth Eagles 106 defeated Perth Redbacks 98
Article by Chris Pike
Photo by HoopShots
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