Eagles swoop to end Rockingham's unbeaten start
The Australian Central Eagles have ended the Rockingham Flames’ unbeaten start to the season with an emphatic 93 -73 victory in the men’s State Basketball League on Saturday.
Rockingham came into the match with a perfect 3-0 record but East Perth were too strong and came away with their second win of the year.
The Flames started strongly and registered the first score of the game through Rhett Della Maddalena and finished the first quarter up 22-19.
The second quarter started slowly but came alive two minutes in when Eagle Jarrod Balcombe hit a highlight reel lay-up whilst double teamed.
The Flames hit back with a six point run of their own to tie the game at 31. The Eagles then took control and went into the long break up 54-36.
East Perth started the third quarter with a six to two run and went on to extend their lead going into the last break to be up 79-54.
The first score of the fourth quarter was a massive two handed dunk from Eagle Tom Jervis which epitomised the way the game had turned.
Eagles Head Coach Matt Parsons said he was pleased with result.
“To beat a team that hasn’t lost this season shows we are headed in the right direction,” he said.
“Everyone in this team has a role to play, and if everyone continues to play their role we will see further success for this club.”
East Perth’s top performers were Jervis, who finished with 25 points and 23 rebounds, and Balcombe, who contributed 18 points, six rebounds and four assists. Daniel Thomas was also solid with 16 points.
Rockingham’s best was Jerel Allen who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He was ably assisted by Carlin Hughes and Rhett Della Maddalena, who scored 13 points each.
In the women’s game the Eagles came away winners over the Flames 87-50.
The Eagles started strongly and registered the first five points of the game through Kate Fielding and went into the first break up 28-10.
The trend continued into the second quarter with the Eagles taking a commanding 49-28 lead into the half time break.
The Flames played gallantly but were never able to challenge the Eagles early lead.
East Perth's best were Fielding with 25 points and Samantha Norwood with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Jacinta Bourne top-scored for Rockingham with 14 points.
Article by Leigh Dalton at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
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