Tigers Triumph over Senators & Suns
Round 6 of the State Basketball League saw the Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers Womens Team triumphant in both games of a double header, extending their streak to 7 games and cementing themselves in second place on the standings.
On Friday night the Tigers Women took on a struggling Stirling Senators. The Senators, hungry for their first win of the season fought hard but in the end the Tigers were too strong winning 73-64.
Ashley Gilmore playing limited minutes gave opportunities to younger players to step up. Jasmine Hooper led the way with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Courtney Hargreaves also made a solid contribution to the win with 13 points and 10 rebounds. For the Senators, guard Dannielle Devenny had an impressive game with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Saturday night, KalamundaâÂÂs Eastern Suns came to Willetton for a showdown for second spot on the ladder. The Suns Women, who had been handed a surprise first loss on Friday night to the Cockburn Cougars struggled to make a dent in the Tigers comfortable lead all game and went down 86-68.
Ashley Gilmore bounced back with 19 points, 18 rebounds and 6 steals. Kate Malpass (23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals) and Courtney Hargreaves (15 points, 5 rebounds) both assisted with impressive performances. For the Suns, former Tiger Samantha Norwood had a notable effort leading all scorers with 24 points and 17 rebounds.
The Tigers Men had a more difficult weekend going down to a solid Senators line up on Friday night. The Tigers guards struggled to have an impact on the game with Robert Epps (31 points, 16 rebounds) and captain Clint Read (28 points, 8 rebounds) taking on an enormous task to put points on the scoreboard.
The Senators got the better of the Tigers 102-92. They were lead by Sebastian Salinas (26 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) who has been a nightmare for opposing teams this season averaging over 24 points and 7 rebounds. He had help from former Perth Wildcat Carmichael Olowoyo (24 points) and American import Edward Morris Jr. (16 points, 16 rebounds, 5 blocks).
Friday nights loss set the stage for an incredible encounter between a battling Tigers MenâÂÂs team and a struggling Suns outfit who both desperately needed a win if they were going to keep alive their finals campaign. The Suns would have fancied themselves coming off a tough 3 point win over an undermanned, top of the table Cockburn Cougars the previous night.
It seemed as though the Tigers had clinched victory with a 17 point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the final quarter. But with inside presence Clint Read and the defensive minded Ian Callaghan fouling out late the Suns saw a small window of opportunity to snatch their second win for the season from the Tigers.
Despite unerring free throw shooting by former Perth Wildcat Adrian Majstravich, and a big late three pointer from Austin Bruton the Tigers clung on to win 103-100.
For the Tigers, Coach ParkerâÂÂs request for a big effort from his guards paid off with young-gun Kosta Illic scoring 22 points, and shooting 4 from 5 from beyond the three point line. Veteran Wayne Biddle had a big last quarter scoring 13 of his total 16 points.
For the Suns, Majstravich shone with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Despite his performance the Suns found it hard to find another scoring threat with import Corey Easley in foul trouble early in the game.
Round 7 will see the Tigers Women travel to Mandurah for a Friday night clash with the Mandurah Magic who are currently sitting in eighth spot (3-3). The Tigers, with their incredible momentum should extend their streak to 8 games.
The Men will have to endure another tough weekend, going for their first win on the road against the Magic on Friday Night, and then returning home to face the reigning, back to back MSBL Champions, the Goldfield Giants. The Tigers will be looking to avenge last seasonâÂÂs Grand Final loss in front what is sure to be a loud home crowd.
The Giants, who currently sit in fourth spot, field two former Tiger greats in Mark Heron and Shamus Ballantyne. They also have the luxury of two solid American imports, Alonzo Hird and Michael Haney who have been dominant in the rebounding and scoring department.
Both Tigers teams can only get stronger with the Women soon welcoming back Go For 2 and 5 Perth Lynx player Melissa Marsh from injury and the Men expecting another import in the coming weeks.
Saturday nightâÂÂs MenâÂÂs home game tips off at 7:30pmâ¦Tickets at the door.
Article by Tim Friday (Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers)
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