Saturday night saw the Southland Boulevarde Willetton Tigers Mens and Womens teams both post exciting home victories over the Southside Mitsubishi Perth Redbacks in round five of the State Basketball League.

The Tigers Men were keen to get redemption for their upset away loss to the Redbacks in round 2. On that occasion, without American import Robert Epps, they went down in a nail biting 2 point loss.

In a double overtime thriller, the Men put their second win on the board 101 – 97. They were tested by the Redbacks who managed to overcome a 13 point deficit going into the second half to push the game into overtime. Perth were aided by Jarrad Prior’s brilliance sinking a three pointer with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
 
It seemed as if the Tigers were down and out in overtime with key defender Wes Rule (13 points) who had been displaying an excellent defensive effort fouling out late in the fourth . But the Tigers responded with their own miracle with Ian Callahan making a three pointer off the back board with 12 seconds remaining to put the game to a second overtime.

With the home crowd on their side the Tigers came up triumphant with Robert Epps showing why he is one of the leagues must see players with an amazing effort of 34 points, 25 rebounds and 8 blocks. 17 year old Josh Johnson (SBL PowerPlayer of the Week Round 1) also had a solid game with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

For the Redbacks, veteran sharp shooter Ryan Neill scored 28 points with an outstanding 15 of 16 free throw shooting. Point guard Joel Wagner lived up to his reputation as one of the best distributors of the ball in the league with a season high 13 assists.

The Tigers Women also continued their fantastic form extending their winning streak to 5 games with a comprehensive 74 – 59 win. The third placed Tigers cruised to victory lead by the consistent Ashley Gilmore who dominated with 25 points and 19 rebounds. Gilmore had help from her Go for 2&5 Perth Lynx team mate Kate Malpass who put up 19 points.

The fifth placed Redbacks were without the scoring/rebounding force of Brook Hiddlestone (23 points per game, 13.6 rebounds per game). In her absence, Latoya Williams stepped up posting 15 points and 5 rebounds.

The Redbacks managed to put up a fight to bring the game back to 5 points late in the third after trailing by 19 earlier that quarter. But the Tigers, despite having an off night from beyond the 3 point line managed to maintain their lead for the entire game and claim victory comfortably.

This weekend is a double header for the Tigers with Friday night in Warwick against the Stirling Senators. The Women should continue their streak against a struggling and winless Senators Women’s team.

For the Men, it may be a more even matchup with Stirling suiting former Perth Wildcat Carmichael Olowoyo who has been the go to man for the Senators for seasons (25.8 points per game, 11.6 rebounds).

Saturday night sees Kalamunda’s Eastern Suns come to Willetton. This should be more of a challenge for the Women who are coming up against an undefeated Suns WSBL team. They will be looking out for former Tiger Sam Norwood who is putting up impressive numbers for the Suns (14.7 points per game, 12.3 rebounds per game).

The Men should get across the line against an under-performing Suns Men who sit in 13th place on the standings (1-5).  The Suns, who will be eager for their second win also field a former Wildcat in Adrian Majstravich (23 points per game, 13 rebounds per game).

Saturday night’s home game tips off at 6pm for the Women and 8pm for the Men…Tickets at the door.

Article by Tim Friday (Willetton Basketball Association)