Lightning fly into Semis
The Lightning swept the best-of-three quarter-finals series and will face Southside Mitsubishi Perth Redbacks in the final four, after it swept Wanneroo in its series.
The top side took control as it jumped out to a 13-point lead within seven minutes and maintained a wide gap for most of the match.
East Perth, which was without star big man Tom Jervis, reduced the margin to five late in the second quarter but Lakeside scored 27 of the next 39 points to ensure a comfortable win.
Ben Beran was the star for Lakeside with 24 points and eight rebounds while Luke Payne had 22 points and Jarrad Prue had 17 rebounds.
Perth Wildcats star Stephen Weigh was one of few shining lights for the Eagles with 34 points, with former NBL teammate Sam Harris (15 points) the only other Eagles starter to reach double-digit points.
East Perth had 22 turnovers, 11 more than Lakeside, and it proved costly with the Lightning scoring 20 points off turnovers compared to the Eagles’ two.
Lakeside coach Andy Stewart said he was impressed with the way his side performed across the series.
“We felt like we controlled the game after we got a nice first quarter lead. We got the tempo that we really wanted,” he said.
“East Perth came out to fight. There was a real good spirit within their team, so it was a good hit out for us.”
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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