Week 9 of the State Basketball League saw  a double-header for the Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers Men and Women with the Wanneroo Wolves at home Friday night and the Rockingham Flames on the road Saturday night.

Fans flooded in to Willetton Basketball Stadium to see the much anticipated debut of the 220cm Danish import, Chris Christoffersen who had just flown in at midnight Thursday, fresh from a championship with the Bakken Bears in the Danish pro-league.

But Christoffersen wasn't the only surprise Coach Parker had up his sleeve, athletic guard Corey Craig who was at the helm of the Tigers last season for their run to the finals returned to the lineup after a short break from the game.

The Wolves came to Tigerland with an arsenal of fire power themselves, fielding two solid NBL players in Alex Loughton and Jeff Dowdell,  as well as two solid import guards, Chris and Marcus Moore.

In an offensive show down, the Wolves got the better of the Tigers 105-127. The sharp-shooting Wolves outscored  the Tigers who were going through a big change in player rotation. Marcus Moore was impressive for his 27 points and Alex Loughton, despite playing limited minutes due to fouls, still managed to put up 26 points.

For the Tigers, Robert Epps settled in well to his new position at guard with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Christoffersen made his debut in limited minutes but still managed to show his potential with 16 points and 10 rebounds including a few thunderous, two handed dunks. Corey Craig returned with a bang, going for 19 points.

Well aware of their fading finals hopes, the Tigers travelled south on Saturday night to take on the Rockingham Flames. They looked like they had the edge on the 13th placed Flames until late in the game when guard Trent Gerovich lit it up with three straight crucial three pointers. But with their season at stake, the Tigers men knuckled down in the fourth to claim their first win on the road this season 103-90.

The Flames experienced a full on dunking assault by 'The Great Dane Chris Christoffersen who was unstoppable for 28 points, 20 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 blocks. Guards Robert Epps and Kosta llic were not far behind with 25 and 21 respectively.

 For the Flames, young guard Ryan Godfrey led the way with 15. Aaron Colley and Trent Gerovich were solid with 14 a piece. Flames American import Jumpin' Joey Harrell Jr had an off night shooting 1 of 14 from the field for 2 points.

The 3rd placed Tigers Women had a mixed weekend consisting of a win Friday night over the Wanneroo Wolves and a tight loss to the 2nd place Rockingham Flames Women Saturday.

Coming off only their second loss for the season last weekend, the Tigers Women held the lead for the entire game to come up victorious 88-81. PowerPlay Sports Player of the Month for April Ashley Gilmore went about her business for 22 points and 21 rebounds. Gilmore's Go For 2 and 5 Perth Lynx teammate Kate Malpass assisted her with 19 points.

Saturday night saw the Tigers go down in a tough battle for second spot on the WSBL standings to the Rockingham Flames 81-75. The Flames put in a huge 27 point final term to claim the home victory. Inside presence Kaye Tucker carried them across the line with 31 points.

This Friday sees the Mandurah Magic travel to the Boulevarde to take on the Tigers Men and Women. The Women welcoming back Perth Lynx player Melissa Marsh to assist the Gilmore-Malpass combo should be too much for the Magic Women who currently sit in 7th spot.

The Men will have a major point to prove after being upset by the last placed Magic Men in round 7. Now possessing the biggest front court in the League to go along with some great young guards the Tigers shouldn't be troubled by the Magic this time round.

This Friday night's home game tips off at 6:30pm for the Women followed by the Men at 8:30.

Article by Tim Friday