Buccs in big trouble (Round Nine MSBL Wrap)
Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers are in serious danger of finishing outside the men's State Basketball League top eight for the first time in 13 years after losing to Perth Redbacks on Saturday.
The Buccaneers were just one win away from last year's Grand Final and have only finished outside the eight once, back in 1998, but are struggling in 12th spot with a 4-8 record after their 111-86 home defeat to the Redbacks.
To make matters worse, the regional side faces both of last year's Grand Finalists in the next three weeks.
While Geraldton is in big trouble after its fourth straight loss, the result saw Perth end its four-game losing streak and consolidate its spot in the eight.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants slipped out of the top four after losing to Lakeside Lightning and Cockburn Cougars.
A doubleheader against the league's top two sides was always going to be a tough ask, but the Giants were thrashed 109-81 by Lakeside and 119-83 against Cockburn.
Lakeside finished round nine in top spot because it recorded a 100-93 victory against the 11th placed Australian Central East Perth Eagles and the Cougars lost 110-107 in overtime to Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks.
The Hawks climbed into the top four with their victories against Cockburn and Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers, who they beat in a 95-93 thriller, thanks to Anthony Lee's 37 points and 11 rebounds.
Willetton import Robert Kampman's 39-point performance wasn't enough to extend his side's three-game winning streak. Wanneroo Wolves are just one win behind the first placed Lightning after beating Mandurah Magic 105-94.
The Magic had won three of their last four but John Vaudreuil had 19 points to give Wanneroo its second straight win.
ATD Stirling Senators bumped Kalamunda Eastern Suns out of the top eight after beating them 113-87, led by Lee Roberts (37 points and 22 rebounds).
But the Suns beat Rockingham Flames 109-92 on Friday to ensure they remained just outside the eight.
The Flames came from behind to end their six-game losing streak with an 83-76 victory against Southwest Slammers, which denied the Bunbury side its first win of the season.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.