Eagles looking to swoop into playoffs (Round 18 MSBL Preview)
Australian Central East Perth Eagles will be looking to guarantee a second-straight men's State Basketball League finals appearance with wins in their two round 18 fixtures.
Victories against Kalamunda Eastern Suns and Southwest Slammers will end any chance of the Eagles missing the finals and would also end Kalamunda's slim playoffs hopes.
And the Eagles, who have won eight of their past 10 games, will start as heavy favourites against Kalamunda, which has won four of its past five, and the Slammers, who remain winless with just three games to go.
SKILLED Goldfields Giants must beat Mandurah Magic and Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers to keep their small finals hopes alive.
The Giants could still make the playoffs if they win their three remaining games, but unless they're victorious in both games this round, 2011 will be the first season in MSBL history where none of the country teams make the playoffs.
Defending champions Willetton will be looking to keep their top four hopes alive with wins against the Giants and Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks.
Willetton and Perry Lakes are among four teams battling for the final two spots in the top four, which ensures home-court advantage in the quarter-finals, and the winner of Saturday's game will be in a strong position to finish with one of those spots.
The Hawks also face Rockingham Flames and should easily win against a side which has lost 17 of its past 19 games. Perth Redbacks will guarantee their place in the finals if they upset Wanneroo Wolves on Saturday.
Despite a four-game winning streak, Perth could miss the playoffs if it loses its last two games and will be looking to end any chance of that by beating the Wolves, who have already wrapped up second spot.
ATD Stirling Senators will also ensure their place in the finals with victory at Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers, who have lost four of their past five.
Cockburn Cougars got back into form with victory in Kalgoorlie last week and will be looking to continue that with victories against Kalamunda and Southwest.
And Lakeside Lightning, who have already wrapped up top spot, will be trying to extend their 14-game winning streak by beating 12th-placed Mandurah.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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