Déjà vu for defending champions Willetton (Round 15 MSBL Wrap)
Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers' hopes of defending their men's State Basketball League title were dealt another blow as they suffered their second 60-point loss in as many weeks.
Just one week after Willetton lost by 60 to league leaders Lakeside Lightning, the second-placed Wanneroo Wolves inflicted similar pain with a 64-point triumph.
The Tigers were dominated from start to finish as import John Vaudreuil (29 points) and Perth Wildcats guard Brad Robbins, who had 18 points from just 19 minutes, helped Wanneroo to its fifth-straight win.
Despite another humiliating loss, the Tigers remained in fifth spot after they beat Kalamunda Eastern Suns 99-92. Robert Kampman led Willetton with 31 points while Justin Brown had 22 points for the Suns, who finished the round one win outside the top eight with two games in hand.
Cockburn Cougars fell out of the top two after losing 96-79 to Australian Central East Perth Eagles and 93-86 to Lakeside Lightning.
The Lightning, who also beat Perth Redbacks 108-90, overcame a gallant Cockburn side to establish a two-win gap at the top of the ladder and extend its winning streak to 10 games.
And the Cougars also succumbed to the in-form Eagles, who were again led by Wildcats sharp-shooter Drew Williamson (23 points and 10 assists).
East Perth is one win clear of ninth spot with a game in hand after Jarrod Balcombe had 28 points to help it beat Mandurah Magic 111-103.
ATD Stirling Senators also consolidated their spot in the top eight with a 103-92 win against SKILLED Goldfields Giants and a 118-100 victory over Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks.
The fourth-placed Hawks had won four-straight but were stunned by the Senators, thanks to Lee Roberts (34 points). Roberts also starred as Stirling beat fellow finals contender Goldfields, finishing with 27 points.
But the Giants rescued their finals hopes with their 94-81 win at heated rivals Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers. Matthew Rosinski (30 points) top-scored for Goldfields.
Perth finished the round in the top eight after beating Southwest Slammers 113-90. The Slammers remain winless with just five games left.
And Wanneroo extended its winning streak to five games with their 115-88 triumph over the struggling Rockingham Flames.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Grant Lauterbach
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