Tiger tie series
The Tigers and Buccaneers will meet Sunday at 12pm, with the winner to face Lakeside Lightning in the Grand Final on August 21.
In a massive reversal from Geraldton’s 30-point win in game one of the best-of-three series, the Tigers always were in control.
Willetton led by 20 late in the first quarter and extended that to 24 midway through the second period.
The home side’s advantage got as high as 36 in the final quarter before Geraldton took advantage of Willetton resting its starters late in the game to make the score more respectable.
Alex Prince recovered from a disappointing performance in game one to have a game-high 32 points for Willetton, while Cam Tovey added 30 points and 13 rebounds and Daniel Johnson had 21 points and six blocks.
Ryan Zamroz found himself in early foul trouble for Geraldton, picking up his fifth with six minutes left in the second quarter before fouling out in the fourth, but still led his side with 20 points.
Brian Connelly was next best for the Buccaneers with 19.
Buccaneers star centre Ben Pepper was forced to sit out a significant period with a face injury, but returned later in the game and should be fine for game three.
The Tigers shot 18 per cent better than Geraldton from the field, while outscoring the regional side 46-16 in the paint, with both crucial to the outcome.
Willetton coach Shayne Hampel said he was thrilled his side won but its job is far from over.
“It’s great to be able to even up the series, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” he said.
“Zamroz getting into early foul trouble and Pepper’s injury certainly helped us.”
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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