Lightning strike for top spot (Friday Night Wrap)
Lakeside Lightning have been rewarded for their outstanding men's State Basketball League season by wrapping up top spot with a 102-94 win against Stirling Senators.
The Lightning's 13th-straight victory improved its win-loss record to 21-2 and guaranteed them the minor premiership after second-placed Wanneroo's upset loss to East Perth.
But it didn't come easy for Lakeside, who trailed by 15 points early in the final quarter before outscoring eighth-placed Stirling 31-8 in the final 10 minutes.
Star import Ben Beran led the Lightning with 36 points, while Lee Roberts had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Senators, who must win at least one of their final three games to guarantee a finals spot.
East Perth took a big step towards securing a spot in the top eight with their 118-103 win against the Wolves.
Drew Williamson had 33 points to help the Eagles to their 12th win of the season, which left them needing just one more to ensure a top eight spot.
The Wolves led late in the third quarter but Greg Hire's 34 points and 22 rebounds weren't enough to hold off a late charge from East Perth.
Perth Redbacks extended their winning streak to three games with a comfortable 112-80 win against Rockingham Flames.
Adrian Majstrovich had 36 points to lead Perth to a victory which consolidated its spot in the top eight.
And Kalamunda Eastern Suns kept their finals hopes alive by thrashing the struggling Mandurah Magic 113-89, led by Dean Hadley (29 points).
In women's action, Perth's finals hopes are in disarray after a shock 67-64 loss to bottom side Rockingham.
Elsewhere, Lakeside took advantage of Perth's slip-up to consolidate its place in the top eight with an 86-56 win against Stirling, East Perth upset Wanneroo 83-67 and Mandurah beat Kalamunda 79-62.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Mick Cronin
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