People’s Choice East Perth Eagles have rallied from a one game to nil deficit to progress to the semi finals of the MSBL after defeating Mandurah in a competitive three game quarter finals series.

After losing game one on the road last week, the Eagles made the most of their home court advantage to win games two and three and set up a semi final matchup with defending champions and minor premiers Wanneroo.

East Perth went into the series without the services of Jarrod Balcombe who sustained an ankle injury before the finals started. Balcombe was a key figure in East Perth’s two regular season wins over the Magic, contributing greatly to the scoring load.

Following the trend from game one, games two and three were very physical with technical and unsportsmanlike fouls given out, as well as the ejection of Eagle Nikola Donlagic in game two.

Game two began well for the Eagles as they took early control and looked to run a sluggish and nervous Mandurah off the floor and finished the first quarter with a 24-11 lead. The Magic however rallied in the second behind the customary shooting of Aaron Trahair to cut the lead back to four at the main break.

The third quarter was a see-sawing affair as the lead changed numerous times with the big men of both teams proving dangerous. Tom Jervis was dominant on both ends and after having a quiet first half, Taylor Mullenax found his scoring touch and also helped get Jervis into foul trouble.

Mandurah rallied in the final term outscoring the Eagles 20-11 and missed an opportunity to win the game on the buzzer. The overtime period proved decisive as East Perth took advantage of Mullenax and Taylor Land fouling out to record a series tying victory.

Jervis led all scorers in the game with 27 points and 19 rebounds while Joe-Alan Tupaea was effective with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Mullenax was the high scorer for the Magic with 24 points while Tom Remmerswaal had 23 points.

With the series tied at one game apiece, both team looked for a fast start with a high scoring first quarter. Leading by three points at quarter time, the Eagles mounted the pressure on the Magic and extended their lead to nine points at the main change.

But as the Magic did in game two, they challenged East Perth and cut the lead to two at the final change, but ran out of steam in the fourth as East Perth went on to win their first MSBL finals series in club history.

The final score ended up 94-79, with Drew Williamson the star for the Eagles with 31 points. Jervis again found himself fouled out but finished with 13 points and 18 rebounds.

Mullenax finished off a strong finals series with 22 points and ten rebounds, while Remmerswaal also provided solid backup with 21 points.

“It was a hell of a series and it was unfortunate that both teams had to meet so early. Full credit goes to Chalky and the club for progressing as far as they have,” East Perth head coach Adam Forde said post-game.

“We are looking forward to the next challenge being Wanneroo. They have many weapons across the floor and we will look at some video and make the necessary adjustments.”

“The guys are pumped and excited so if we can pinch game one at home we will head to Wanneroo full of confidence,” Forde added.

Game one of the best of three semi finals series will take place at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre with games two and three heading to Joondalup. The winner of the series will face either Lakeside or Cockburn in the Kickz101 grand final on September 1.

Article by Nathan Winch
Photo by Mick Cronin