Hawks become Giant Killers
The Perry Lakes Hawks have done what the experts predicted they couldn't and tonight knocked out the SKILLED Goldfields Giants in Game Two in Kalgoorlie, 104-99.
A packed Brookman St Stadium came to see the two time reigning Champions level their series after the Hawks won game one 94-91. It was the home side who got a run in the first quarter when Michael Haney hit a shot to take the lead out to 7 with 5:42 left. Tom Garlepp however scored ten points inside the last six minutes, including two three's to ensure the Hawks stayed in touch. The home side went into the first break up 28-26.
The second quarter was similar with the Giants hitting a six point lead very early. Hawks US import Daniel Hawkins was strong with 10 points in a quarter that saw the lead change seven times. The Hawks were in front at the main break with a 53-52 lead. Todd Earle was the best for the home side connecting on 3/4 threes from outside.
The lead again changed numerous times in the third quarter and Michael Haney fired up for the home side with 11 points. The Giants managed to trim the lead by a point with both teams even at the last break 81-81.
The Hawks held the lead for the majority of the fourth quarter until a Russell Hurst shot at the 3:57 mark gave the home side the lead. However the Hawks were quick to reclaim the lead. With 55 seconds to go the Hawks led 98-97 when a Daniel Hawkins steal resulted in a Jesse Dixon three that gave the Hawks a four point lead.
The Giants got the lead back to two points with 18 seconds remaining when Mark Heron made two free throws. However Vahala & Tupaea sealed the deal from the free throw line and the Hawks ran out five point winners.
The Hawks did what the last two teams that played in Kalgoorlie up 1-0 in a Semi Final could not. In 2004 the Tigers went to Kalgoorlie with a 1-0 lead and lost Games 2 & 3 and Rockingham did the same in 2007.
The Hawks have now booked their sixth appearance this millennium and their first since 2005. The Giants on the other hand have had their three grand final appearance run come to an end and the SBL will see a new champion for the first time since 2007.
Perry Lakes Hawks 104 (T Garlepp 30; D Hawkins; B Purser 22; J Tupaea 11) def.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants 99 (M Heron 25; M Haney 21; R Hurst 14).
@ Brookman St Stadium. Crowd approx. 950
Photo by Marg Prior
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