Saturday night saw the Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers Men's and Women's teams take on close town rivals, the Lakeside Lightning in round 9 of the State Basketball League.

The Tigers Women, who were coming off an amazing eight game streak were matching up against an eighth placed Lady Lightning outfit while the Tigers Men had to face a top of the table Lightning MSBL team.

In what proved to be perhaps one of the few games this season where they were tested for four whole quarters, the Tigers Women were stunned by an impressive Lightning 81-89. The Lightning, who were close with the Tigers for three quarters struck in the final term putting up a huge 29 points.

The Lightning were lead by US import Natalie Young who continued her fantastic season with a 24 point, 10 rebound night. Ashley Gilmore was once again the dominant player for the Tigers with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Her Go For 2 and 5 Perth Lynx teammate Kate Malpass also had a notable performance. Malpass, who had 18 points of her own, left the court due to injury late in the fourth quarter. Tigers fans will have their fingers crossed that she will be able to return for next week’s second place clash with the Rockingham Flames.

The Tigers men also had a rough night going down to first placed Lightning MSBL team 83 - 95. The Tigers, after winning the first quarter slipped in the second and gave up what was a five point lead to trail by 12 at the half.

The Lightning were aided by the brilliance of their US import Luke Payne (26 points) who lived up to his name when he drained a three quarter court prayer on the half time buzzer. Fellow import Jason Faulkner, who struggled in the post against veteran Tiger Clint Read, hustled his way to become the Lightning's second highest scorer with 20 points.

For the Tigers, Robert Epps was big with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Kosta Ilic maintained his reputation as one of the league's best young guards with 19 points.

The Tiger Men, whose finals hopes have become slim, should receive a massive boost in the addition of seven feet two inch Danish native Chris Christofferson to fill their second import spot. The Great Dane's career includes playing NCAA division 1 for the Oregon Ducks and even a stint playing on seven foot six NBA/Chinese sensation Yao Ming in one of his private work outs.

Round 10 is an important week for the Tigers WSBL and MSBL teams consisting of a Friday night home game against the Wanneroo Wolves and Saturday night on the road against the Rockingham Flames. 

The Women, who hit their first bump for the season this week will be firing for a shot at the second place Flames. The Flames will be hungry for redemption of their own after losing their top spot and their seven game win streak this past week to the Perry Lakes Hawks.

The Tigers Men's weekend includes two must win games if they are going to have a finals campaign this season.  Saturday night's home game against the Wolves should be an absolute thriller. The Wolves have just welcomed back Perth Wildcat and Wanneroo local Alex Loughton along with second import, Marcus Moore into their line up.

With their season on the line, Coach Parker will be asking for a huge effort from his Men to bring home two much needed wins this weekend.

Come support your Tigers this weekend in their Friday night home game. The Women tip off at 6:30pm followed by the Men at 8:30pm...Tickets at the door.

Article by Tim Friday