Hawks to meet Wolves in MSBL GF, Tigers and Eagles reach WSBL decider (Saturday Night Wrap)
Perry Lakes will face Wanneroo Wolves in the men’s State Basketball League Grand Final after the Hawks beat Lakeside Lightning in the deciding game of their semi-final series.
After Lakeside forced the best-of-three series to the third match with a thrilling 92-88 game two victory on Friday, the Hawks advanced to their seventh Grand Final in 11 years after triumphing 84-71 in game three.
The Wolves qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final for the first time since 1993 after they wrapped up their series 2-0 on Friday.
The absence of star import Luke Payne, who suffered a leg injury in game two of the series, proved too much for the Lightning to overcome in the third match as the Hawks took control of the tight contest in the final minutes.
Anthony Lee led Perry Lakes to victory with 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Ben Purser added 19 points.
Chris Sofoulis did his best to make up for Payne’s absence, finishing with 19 points for Lakeside.
The Lightning took an early nine-point lead but the Hawks responded quickly and led for most of the game.
Lakeside fought back and levelled the score with 10 minutes remaining but a 19-6 run to Perry Lakes gave it a game-winning lead.
In women’s action, East Perth Eagles have advanced to their first Grand Final, where they will face minor premiers Willetton Tigers on Friday.
The Eagles completed a series sweep of Perry Lakes after winning game two 78-57, thanks largely to in-form duo Samantha Norwood (20 points) and Kate Fielding (17).
And Willetton kept its hope of a third-straight championship alive after overturning a 1-0 series deficit to knock out fifth seed Wanneroo.
The Tigers held on to win game three in a thrilling 56-54 finish, led by Kate Malpass (16 points).
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots)
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