North Adelaide Rockets (4-4, 7th) v Eastern Mavericks (0-8, 10th)
Saturday June 1, 6.30pm at Hillcrest
Officials: A Filmer & J Grigoul

The North Adelaide Rockets played their “get-out-of-jail” card in Round 8. Now they have the chance to earn a momentum-building third straight win if they can beat the win-less Eastern Mavericks.

Despite missing new recruit Anthony Petrie, the Rockets came from 12 points down at three quarter time to defeat third placed Centrals 65-63 last week. Having not been at their best to date, it is the sort of win that could help the Rockets turn a corner and make a finals push.

The Mavericks have lost all eight matches by at least 11 points. They enter this match on the back of a 61-86 loss to Southern. Unlike the red and white, they were on the wrong end of a lop-sided fourth quarter.

If the Mavericks are to get a first win in 2013, they will need to shut down Rocket “bigs” Petrie and Pero Vasilijevic, and also find a way to get around guard Joseph Campbell who has also been a livewire this season.

The Rockets have struggled offensively in a number of games – they have cracked the 80 point mark just once since Round 3. Former Rocket Curtis Scipio leads the Mavericks in scoring, while the Breheny brothers are always a threat.

A danger game for the Rockets, but one they should win.

 
South Adelaide Panthers (1-7, 9th) v Central District Lions (5-3, 3rd)
Saturday June 1, 8.15 pm at Marion
Officials: J Clover & B Northcote

Centrals will be keen to bounce back from last week’s disappointing setback when they visit South Adelaide. Last round, the Lions led the Rockets for almost the entire match before letting the game slip away. Their loss means that despite still sitting third, they are only one game ahead of eighth placed Norwood.

The Panthers stayed within striking distance of ladder leaders West for a half, but could not keep pace in the third and fourth quarters. Their 55-79 loss was their seventh defeat in eight games.

The men named Kyle will be keen to have a big one after poor shooting displays last week. Kyle Miller of Centrals scored just 10 points on 3/13 shooting against North, after reeling off 35 the previous week. Kyle Howe-Tipene, who is now suiting up for the Panthers, had just 6 points on 2/8 shooting, against the Bearcats, having scored 11 on 5/8 a week prior.

The battle between Panther Thomas McKenzie (19.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.3 apg) and Lion Chris Clausen (17.3 ppg, 45% FG, 7.4 rpg) should be a good one.

The Lions shot just 30 per cent from the field and 18 per cent from beyond the arc last week – their field goal percentage was a season low, and their three pointers their worst since Round 1.

If the Lions can find their range again like they did against West, then they should win comfortably.
 
Southern Tigers (4-4, 6th) v Woodville Warriors (6-2, 2nd)
Saturday June 1, 8.15pm at Morphett Vale
Officials: N Wieland and M Frost

With finals a logical target, the pressure is well and truly on Southern ahead of Round 9’s match with Woodville.

For the first time in nine years, the Tigers are .500 after the first eight games. They are one of four teams with a 4-4 record and are just a game behind third. The Warriors are also in foreign territory – their 6-2 record is likewise a club best in nine seasons.

Both teams are coming off wins, with the Tigers defeating Eastern and the Warriors crushing Forestville. Sam McDaniel and Aaron Wyatt, the leading scorers for the Tigers and Warriors respectively, each had quiet nights. However, Codey Ellison (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Darren Ng (27 points, 5/11 3FG) each had their best games of 2013.

Michael Florance and Samuel Johns have had some big games for the Tigers this season. Steve Pilkington has established himself as one of the game’s dominant big men, while Luke Stanbridge has been a revelation with career highs in scoring, field goal percentage and rebounding.

The last time they met, the Warriors suffered a costly 69-87 loss at St Clair. In the corresponding game at Morphett Vale, the Warriors were a force.

With great matchups all over, expect a tight game. Both teams have had mixed success in close matches. Warriors in a thriller!

Sturt Sabres (4-4, 5th) v West Adelaide Bearcats (7-1, 1st)
Saturday June 1, 8.15pm at Pasadena
Officials: A Just & M Harris

The Sabres have a chance to show that their good run of form is more than just a purple patch when they attempt to conquer the league-leading Bearcats.

After starting 1-4, the Sabres have won three in a row. Their 51 points conceded in last week’s 21 point win over Norwood was the best defensive effort by a club this season.

Matthew Dougherty has been a real find for the double blues, while youngsters Sam Daly and John Marriott are developing rapidly. With extra responsibility, Adam Gavranich is having a career year.

The Bearcats have not been nearly as good on the road as they have at home. Last week’s 79-55 win over South means they have won all five home games by at least 20 points (three of them by 24). On the road, they have been lucky to come away with wins over Southern and Woodville, while they came unstuck against Centrals.

With Daniel Johnson missing the last two games, Blake Truslove has shown he has not lost touch with age. The West Australian has averaged 16 ppg on 67% shooting, 14.5 rpg and 2 bpg as a starter. In contrast, Jason Cadee has shot just 6/32 without his 36ers teammate, but Tristan Braithwaite now has four straight matches with at least 11 points.

The Sabres and Bearcats split their series 1-1 last year, with the away team winning each time.

The availability of Johnson has the potential to impact the Bearcats’ results. Without him, the home side is a genuine chance of an upset.

Forestville Eagles (5-3, 4th) v Norwood Flames (4-4, 8th)
Saturday June 1, 8.15pm at Wayville
Officials: L Sorensen & B McDonald

Familiar foes Forestville and Norwood will be hoping their poor Round 8 form is behind them when they meet for the first time since the 2012 Preliminary Final.

The Eagles missed out on taking second spot due to a loss at Woodville, while the Flames’ inability to defeat Sturt at home cost them fifth position.

With the way this season is shaping up, it is practically finals come early – it would not be the CABL without a final between Forestville and Norwood!
 
For the Flames to bounce back, they will need to focus on shutting down Adam Doyle. Doyle was practically the Eagles’ only offence after Jake Rios went down injured, and the Warriors were able to control the game by keeping him out of the middle. Brad Gerlach had an off night, but otherwise has been a triple-double threat in recent times.

Eagles just.