NBL One Round 18 (Regular Season): Rockingham F. defeat Lakeside L. in the closest game of the week

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Eleventh-ranked Lightning (8-12) gave a tough game to first ranked Flames (17-3) in North Lake on Friday. The visitors from Rockingham managed to secure only three-point victory 94-91. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Lightning. The former international guard Isaac White (188-1998, college: CBU) scored 31 points to lead the charge for the winners and American forward LaQuinton Ross (203-1992, college: Ohio St.) chipped in 18 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Joshua Davey (198-2000, college: LCU) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 19 rebounds. Flames have a solid three-game winning streak. Rockingham F. maintains first position with 17-3 record. Lakeside L. at the other side dropped to the tenth place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Hills H.. Rockingham F. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Lakeside L. will play on the road against the league's leader Rockingham F. (#1) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Meteors (8-5) against eighth ranked Rockets (6-7) on Saturday night. Visiting Meteors were defeated by Rockets in a tough game in Rockhampton 94-102. American forward Jalen Graham (206-2001, college: Arkansas) notched a double-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Malcolm Bernard supported him with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. Even 29 points and 6 rebounds by the former international swingman Makuach Maluach (200-1998, college: N.Mexico) did not help to save the game for Mackay. Rockets have a solid three-game winning streak. Rockhampton maintains eighth position with 6-7 record, which they share with Northside W. Mackay at the other side dropped to the second place with five games lost. They share the position with Brisbane C..
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Phoenix (9-4) against seventh ranked Spartans (7-6) on Saturday night. Visiting Phoenix was crushed by Spartans in Brisbane 101-71. The best player for the winners was Tamuri Wigness who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 14 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Darnell Robateau who recorded 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spartans have a solid three-game winning streak. SD Spartans moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Ipswich F. Loser Phoenix still keeps top position with four games lost.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 18: Northside W. lost to Brisbane C. on the opponent's court 96-109. Ipswich F. unfortunately lost to Gold Coast R. in a home game 85-92. Townsville H. was rolled over Cairns M. on the road 108-138. Logan T. was defeated by SW Metro P. on its own court 82-92. Perry Lakes H. was beaten by Cockburn in Hamilton Hill 90-76. Geraldton B. destroyed SW Slammers at home 119-96. East Perth E. managed to outperform Perry Lakes H. on the opponent's court 92-80. Mandurah recorded a loss to Perth R. in a home game 89-91. Joondalup W. was defeated by Warwick S. on the road 101-87. Willetton T. beat Cockburn on its own court 127-119. Kalamunda ES was destroyed by Goldfields G. in Kalgoorlie 120-97.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 24 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists and 4 steals by Shaun Stewart of Goldfields G..

Group north

Brisbane C. - Northside W. 109-96

Very expected game in Brisbane where 6th ranked Wizards (6-7) were defeated by first ranked Capitals (8-5) 109-96 on Saturday. Brisbane C. looked well-organized offensively handing out 36 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Northside W.'s players. The best player for the winners was naturalized Greek guard Anthony Kopcikas (189-1992) who scored 26 points and 6 assists. Guard Kai Bloom (190-2003, college: Lake Erie) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Tyler Williams (196-1996, college: San Diego) who recorded 24 points and 7 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and his fellow American import guard Durrell McDonald (188-1994, college: Mercyhurst) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Brisbane C. went down to second position due to points difference, which they share with Mackay. Northside W. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Rockhampton.
Top scorers:
Brisbane C.: A.Kopcikas 26+2reb+6ast, K.Bloom 21+4reb+3ast, I.Tueta 12+4reb+5ast, M.Johns 11+8reb+6ast, G.Papacostas 10+4reb, U.Dibiamaka 10+5reb+8ast
Northside W.: T.Williams 24+3reb+7ast, D.McDonald 18+7reb+3ast, N.McCullough 16+4reb+2ast, J.Richardson 13+7reb, E.Juhasz 11+2reb, I.Jorgenson 7+6reb

Ipswich F. - Gold Coast R. 85-92

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Rollers' (7-5) road victory over 5th ranked Force (7-6) 92-85 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was New Zealand swingman Reuben Te Rangi (198-1994) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Point guard Preston Le Gassick (182-2003, college: Menlo) chipped in 29 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American swingman Lamar Patterson (196-1991, college: Pittsburgh) who recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and forward DJ Mitchell (203-1997, college: Santa Clara) added 22 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Gold Coast R. maintains fourth position with 7-5 record. Loser Force keeps the fifth place with six games lost. They share the position with SD Spartans.
Top scorers:
Gold Coast R.: P.Le Gassick 29+2reb+3ast, R.Te Rangi 23+12reb+2ast, J.Bradtke 11+12reb+1ast, C.Smith IV 9+3reb+4ast, B.Mazlin 9+8reb+4ast, E.Kamu 9+2reb+1ast
Ipswich F.: L.Patterson 24+8reb+5ast, D.Mitchell 22+5reb+2ast, K.Bishop 9+4reb+2ast, A.Godinet 9+1reb+1ast, M.Small 8+8reb, N.Nai 7+6reb

Cairns M. - Townsville H. 138-108

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Cairns where 11th ranked Townsville Heat (5-8) was rolled over by twelfth ranked Marlins (3-10) 138-108 on Saturday. Cairns M. shot 65.3 percent from the field and made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. Cairns M. had a 38-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 19 long-distance shots on high 54.3 percentage. Cairns M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was swingman Kody Stattmann (202-2000, college: Virginia) who had a double-double by scoring 48 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Guard Ky Stattmann (193-2003, college: Daytona St.) chipped in 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized South Sudanese guard Kuany Kuany (201-1994, college: Chaminade) who recorded 17 points and 7 rebounds and guard Ethan Betts (188-1998, college: Umpqua CC) added 16 points respectively. Four Cairns M. and five Townsville H. players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cairns M. maintains twelfth position with 3-10 record. Townsville H. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Logan T..
Top scorers:
Cairns M.: K.Stattmann 48+10reb+2ast, D.Heuir 24+2reb+1ast, K.Stattmann 20+8reb+6ast, T.Drinnan 15+1reb+2ast, K.Dennis 12+7reb+4ast, C.Dent 7+2reb
Townsville H.: K.Kuany 17+7reb+1ast, E.Betts 16+2reb+3ast, G.Teichmann 14+1reb+3ast, M.Norton 12+5reb, C.Cedar 11+3reb+1ast, R.Peachey 10+7reb+4ast

Rockhampton R. - Mackay M. 102-94

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Meteors (8-5) against eighth ranked Rockets (6-7) on Saturday night. Visiting Meteors were defeated by Rockets in a tough game in Rockhampton 94-102. Rockhampton outrebounded Mackay 47-30 including 36 on the defensive glass. Rockhampton players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. American forward Jalen Graham (206-2001, college: Arkansas) notched a double-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and the other American import swingman Malcolm Bernard (198-1994, college: Xavier) supported him with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists. Even 29 points and 6 rebounds by the former international swingman Makuach Maluach (200-1998, college: N.Mexico) did not help to save the game for Mackay. American guard Jaxon Brenchley (196, college: Denver) added 18 points and 5 rebounds. Five Rockhampton and four Mackay players scored in double figures. Rockets have a solid three-game winning streak. Rockhampton maintains eighth position with 6-7 record, which they share with Northside W. Mackay at the other side dropped to the second place with five games lost. They share the position with Brisbane C..
Top scorers:
Rockhampton R.: I.Ayoubi 28+1reb+2ast, J.Graham 20+12reb+4ast, M.Bernard 16+6reb+11ast, H.Hornery 15+9reb, M.Majak 11+14reb+2ast, K.Tuakura 6+4reb+5ast
Mackay M.: M.Maluach 29+6reb+3ast, J.Brenchley 18+5reb+3ast, A.Mawein 12+8reb+1ast, E.Malou 12+4reb+2ast, C.Goldfinch 9+2reb+1ast, M.Khalu 6+1reb+4ast

Logan T. - SW Metro P. 82-92

The game between closely ranked teams ended with ninth ranked South West Metro Pirates' (6-6) road victory over 10th ranked Thunder (5-8) 92-82 on Saturday. SW Metro P. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was Canadian-Serbian point guard Dragan Stajic (188-2000, college: Ottawa) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Lachlan Anderson (206-1997, college: EKU) chipped in 26 points and 7 rebounds. Four South West Metro Pirates players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Zac Triplett (196-2001, college: Portland) who recorded 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Callum Dalton (206-2000) added 16 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Thunder's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. South West Metro Pirates have a solid four-game winning streak. SW Metro P. moved-up to seventh place. Logan T. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Townsville H..
Top scorers:
SW Metro P.: K.Woodfall 26+3reb+3ast, L.Anderson 26+7reb, J.Bairstow 13+8reb+4ast, D.Stajic 13+12reb+8ast, B.Teys 7+6reb+1ast, B.Volkman 4+5reb+7ast
Logan T.: Z.Triplett 27+8reb+5ast, T.Fui 19+3ast, C.Dalton 16+16reb+4ast, T.Kirisome 9+1reb+1ast, J.Allen 6+2reb, J.Fui 3+1reb+1ast

SD Spartans - SC Phoenix 101-71

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Phoenix (9-4) against seventh ranked Spartans (7-6) on Saturday night. Visiting Phoenix was crushed by Spartans in Brisbane 101-71. SD Spartans dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Phoenix's 38. SD Spartans looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by SC Phoenix's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when SD Spartans made 9 blocks. The best player for the winners was point guard Tamuri Wigness (184-2002) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 14 assists. The former international center Matt Hodgson (211-1991, college: SMC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was guard Darnell Robateau (185-1997, college: PLNU) who recorded 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and guard Jamaal Robateau (196-1994, college: Gardner-Webb) added 15 points and 4 assists respectively. Five SD Spartans and four SC Phoenix players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Spartans have a solid three-game winning streak. SD Spartans moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Ipswich F. Loser Phoenix still keeps top position with four games lost.
Top scorers:
SD Spartans: T.Wigness 30+4reb+14ast, M.Hodgson 18+10reb+2ast, B.Jones 18+6reb+2ast, M.Kerle 13+3reb+5ast, B.Hastings 12+8reb+2ast, A.Ugrinic 6+2reb+1ast
SC Phoenix: D.Robateau 16+7reb+4ast, J.Robateau 15+4reb+4ast, N.Kahler 14+2reb, E.Ross 13+2reb+2ast, D.Ross-Paiwan 5+5reb+2ast, H.Adams 4+2reb

Group west

Cockburn - Perry Lakes H. 90-76

There was a minor upset in Hamilton Hill where 10th ranked Hawks (7-12) were defeated by twelfth ranked Cougars (5-14) 90-76 on Friday. Cockburn forced 25 Perry Lakes H. turnovers. The best player for the winners was American point guard Kortland Martin (180-1999, college: FHU) who scored 31 points. The other American import swingman Terrandus Smith (193-1998, college: Union, TN) chipped in 18 points and 4 steals. Smith is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Cougars' coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Jaden Stanley-Williams (201-1999, college: MSUM) who recorded 17 points and 7 rebounds and guard Matthew Leary (190-2000, college: Knox) added 20 points respectively. Cougars have a solid four-game winning streak. Cockburn maintains twelfth position with 5-14 record. Perry Lakes H. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with 12 games lost. Cockburn will meet at home league's second-placed Warwick S. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Perry Lakes H. will play against Goldfields G. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Cockburn: K.Martin 31+2reb+2ast, T.Smith 18+3reb+3ast, J.Hunt 14+3reb+2ast, R.Eves 8+8reb+4ast, C.Nai 7+4reb+2ast, J.Palelei 4+2reb+1ast
Perry Lakes H.: M.Leary 20+3reb+2ast, C.Hamilton 18+4reb, J.Stanley-Williams 17+7reb+1ast, M.Bucknell 8+7reb, S.Chan 5+3reb+3ast, D.Miller 4+5reb+2ast

Lakeside L. - Rockingham F. 91-94

Eleventh-ranked Lightning (8-12) gave a tough game to first ranked Flames (17-3) in North Lake on Friday. The visitors from Rockingham managed to secure only three-point victory 94-91. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Lightning. The former international guard Isaac White (188-1998, college: CBU) scored 31 points to lead the charge for the winners and American forward LaQuinton Ross (203-1992, college: Ohio St.) chipped in 18 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Joshua Davey (198-2000, college: LCU) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 19 rebounds and American guard Isaiah Lewis (185-1997, college: RWU) scored 19 points and 4 assists. Five Lakeside L. players scored in double figures. Flames have a solid three-game winning streak. Rockingham F. maintains first position with 17-3 record. Lakeside L. at the other side dropped to the tenth place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Hills H.. Rockingham F. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Lakeside L. will play on the road against the league's leader Rockingham F. (#1) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Rockingham F.: I.White 31+4reb+3ast, L.Ross 18+12reb+2ast, T.Jackson 12+8reb+7ast, E.Dech 10+2reb+1ast, R.Godfrey 9+4reb+2ast, T.Durnin 9+5reb+3ast
Lakeside L.: I.Lewis 19+3reb+4ast, A.Wilson 16+3reb, C.Shervill 15+4reb+2ast, J.Davey 13+19reb+1ast, R.Mackenzie 12+3reb+7ast, M.Garbellini 8+1reb+3ast

Geraldton B. - SW Slammers 119-96

No shocking result in a game in Wonthella where third ranked Buccaneers (15-4) outleveled 14th ranked Slammers (1-19) 119-96 on Saturday. Geraldton B. dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to Slammers' 38. Geraldton B. outrebounded SW Slammers 39-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. Geraldton B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Nikolas DeSantis (191-1998) who scored 22 points and 6 assists. Guard Johny Narkle (199-2001) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Jamal Poplar (204-1996, college: Seward County) who recorded 31 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized South Sudanese swingman Manyiel Wugol (198-1999, college: FNU) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Buccaneers have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Geraldton B. maintains third position with 15-4 record having just 6 victories less than leader Illawarra H. 2. SW Slammers lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth place with 19 games lost. Geraldton B. will meet East Perth E. (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. SW Slammers will play against Willetton T. (#4) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Geraldton B.: N.DeSantis 22+3reb+6ast, A.Springs 22+4reb+3ast, J.Narkle 18+6reb+6ast, V.Williams Jr. 15+1reb+8ast, J.Keyes 12+6reb+3ast, A.Ralph 8+3reb+1ast
SW Slammers: J.Poplar 31+9reb+3ast, M.Wugol 16+3reb+4ast, N.Walsh 14+4reb, P.Keats 10+3reb+8ast, D.Craig 10+4reb+3ast, J.Wayne 5+3reb

Perry Lakes H. - East Perth E. 80-92

Everything could happen in Floreat at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Eagles and their close opponent Hawks had identical 7-11 record. But Hawks were not able to use a home court advantage and were defeated by the opponent from Morley 92-80 on Saturday night. East Perth E. forced 20 Perry Lakes H. turnovers. The best player for the winners was Jonah Antonio (196-1997, college: Wake Forest) who scored 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. American power forward Lee Roberts (203-1987, college: Findlay, OH, agency: BIG) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Four Eagles players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Matthew Leary (190-2000, college: Knox) who recorded 25 points and guard Adrian Nobensi (183-2001) added 7 points, 7 rebounds and 13 assists respectively. East Perth E. (8-11) moved-up to ninth place. Perry Lakes H. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with 12 games lost. East Perth E. will meet at home higher ranked Geraldton B. (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Perry Lakes H. will play against Goldfields G. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
East Perth E.: J.Antonio 26+7reb+5ast, M.Rice 18+1reb+2ast, L.Roberts 14+13reb+3ast, I.Dimakopoulos 12+4reb+1ast, N.Filpo 8+1reb+3ast, C.Maker 8+2reb
Perry Lakes H.: M.Leary 25+3reb+2ast, M.Bucknell 17+8reb, J.Stanley-Williams 11+6reb+1ast, A.Nobensi 7+7reb+13ast, K.O'Donohue 6+3reb, T.Martin 6+1ast

Mandurah M. - Perth R. 89-91

There was a surprise result in Mandurah where thirteenth ranked Redbacks (5-15) edged higher ranked Magic (10-10) 91-89 on Saturday. Perth R. made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was British-Nigerian center Emmanuel Kanwei (207-2003) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds. Guard Lochlan Cummings (189-1995, college: HIU) chipped in 16 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Four Redbacks players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Sam Freeman (208-2001, college: CSUSB, agency: Haylett Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks and point guard Lachlan Bertram (183-2001) added 26 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Perth R. maintains thirteenth position with 5-15 record, which they share with Albury W.B. Loser Magic keeps the sixth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Goldfields G. and Newcastle F.. Perth R. will meet at home higher ranked Geraldton B. (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mandurah will play against Kalamunda ES and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Perth R.: J.Cook-Green 24+1reb+4ast, E.Kanwei 21+15reb+2ast, L.Cummings 16+8reb+8ast, M.Riley 11+4reb+1ast, J.Formosa 8+3reb, J.Underwood 6+9reb
Mandurah M.: L.Bertram 26+7reb+7ast, S.Freeman 25+16reb, C.Miegel 12+1reb+1ast, N.Woodall 10+1reb, C.Lowe 6+4reb+2ast, J.Malie 5+6reb+4ast

Warwick S. - Joondalup W. 101-87

Not a big story in a game in Perth where 5th ranked Wanneroo (13-7) was defeated by second ranked Senators (16-4) 101-87 on Saturday. Warwick S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Elijah Pepper (193-2001, college: UC Davis) who had a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals. British guard Mitchell Clarke (186-1999) chipped in 27 points and 4 assists. Four Senators players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American swingman CJ Turnage (201-1995, college: SVSU) who recorded a double-double by scoring 27 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists and forward Caleb Davis (206-1995, college: SVSU) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Warwick S. maintains second position with 16-4 record having just 7 victories less than leader Illawarra H. 2. Loser Wanneroo dropped to the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Sydney C.. Warwick S. will meet Cockburn (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Joondalup W. will play against East Perth E. (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Warwick S.: E.Pepper 35+8reb+11ast, M.Clarke 27+1reb+4ast, K.Chamberlain 12+2reb+1ast, T.Withers 10+6reb+1ast, T.Shand 6+2reb+4ast, C.Creek 6+4reb+1ast
Joondalup W.: C.Turnage 27+13reb+9ast, J.Baker 23+2reb+1ast, C.Davis 16+6reb+5ast, V.Chadinha 9+2ast, J.Wellsteed 6+7reb+1ast, A.Kuerban 3+1reb+1ast

Willetton T. - Cockburn 127-119

Everything went according to plan in Willetton where fourth ranked Tigers (14-6) beat 12th ranked Cougars (5-14) 127-119 on Saturday. Willetton T. shot 64.4 percent from the field and made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Willetton T. forced 21 Cockburn turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Taeshon Cherry (203-1999, college: Marian, IN, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) who scored 40 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds (on 16-of-20 shooting from the field). Forward Thomas Gerovich (200-2004) chipped in 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was center Chan Nai (208-2000, college: Baton Rouge, agency: Dominion Sports Group) who recorded 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and American point guard Kortland Martin (180-1999, college: FHU) added 27 points and 7 assists respectively. Five Willetton T. and four Cockburn players scored in double figures. Cougars' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Willetton T. maintains fourth position with 14-6 record. Loser Cougars keeps the twelfth place with 14 games lost. Willetton T. will meet SW Slammers (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cockburn will play against the league's second-placed Warwick S. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Willetton T.: T.Cherry 40+5reb+2ast, T.Gerovich 25+5reb+4ast, R.Williams 16+2reb+4ast, T.Kopa 12+3reb+3ast, D.Scott 12+2reb+6ast, M.Vigor 10+6reb+7ast
Cockburn: C.Nai 33+6reb+3ast, K.Martin 27+4reb+7ast, J.Hunt 20+3reb+3ast, T.Smith 17+3reb+4ast, N.Pond 9+2reb+2ast, H.Fitzgerald 7+3reb+1ast

Goldfields G. - Kalamunda ES 120-97

Everything could happen in Kalgoorlie at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Giants and 8th ranked Suns had identical 9-10 record. This time Giants used a home court advantage and outplayed the opponent from Kalamunda 120-97 on Saturday night. Goldfields G. made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Goldfields G. outrebounded Kalamunda ES 51-29 including a 35-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Goldfields G. shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 53.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Shaun Stewart (183-1994, college: Limestone) who had a triple-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists and 4 steals. The other American import forward DeSean Parsons (201-1995, college: Portland St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 25 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Belgian guard Marshall Nelson (184-1994, college: Wayland Baptist) who recorded 20 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and guard Marley Sam (-2008) added 19 points and 6 assists respectively. Five Goldfields G. and four Kalamunda ES players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Goldfields G. (10-10) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Mandurah and Newcastle F. Kalamunda ES lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Cent.Coast C.. Goldfields G. will meet Perry Lakes H. (#11) in the next round where they are favorite. Kalamunda ES will play against Mandurah and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Goldfields G.: M.Jok 28+5reb+1ast, D.Parsons 25+13reb+7ast, S.Stewart 24+13reb+14ast, J.Reid 17+4reb+2ast, S.Morrow 17+4reb+5ast, G.Sidebottom 4+6reb+1ast
Kalamunda ES: M.Nelson 20+5reb+8ast, M.Sam 19+2reb+6ast, S.Salinas 12+2ast, L.Thomas 11+6reb+2ast, B.Dinardo 11+3reb, R.Bell 8+2reb+5ast