A gap is quickly developing between the top three teams and the rest of the Men’s State Basketball League after Lakeside, Perry Lakes and East Perth continued their unbeaten starts to the 2013 season in round four.

Perry Lakes began the weekend in fine form back on Friday night, accounting for reigning champions Cockburn 101-82 thanks to big hauls from Tevin Jackson (22 points) and Perth Wildcats development player Ben Purser (20).

Gavin Field – another Wildcats development player – did his best for Cockburn with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Beaten by the Cougars in last season’s grand final, East Perth emphasised their standing as genuine title contenders again this year with a thumping 119-92 win over South West Slammers on Saturday.

Former Wildcats shooter Drew Williamson (25 points), Tom Jervis and Nikola Donlagic (22 each) were in the thick of the action for the Eagles.

On Sunday it was Lakeside’s turn to throw down the challenge and they did it in fine style with an 87-77 win over Perth.

Ben Beran had 31 points and 10 rebounds, while boards king Jarrad Prue grabbed 21 rebounds to go with his six points.

It was Perth’s second loss of the weekend after their 93-91 defeat to Stirling.

But the Redbacks did have one thing to smile about – the appearance of Melbourne Tigers star Bennie Lewis in red and black.

Lewis registered 44 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds across the two games to show that he will prove a handful in the MSBL this season.

Geraldton scored the biggest win of the weekend with a 101-68 belting of winless Kalamunda.

Matt Wundernburg (21 points and 15 rebounds) and Aaron Ralph (21 and eight) were the Buccs’ best.

Willetton won the final quarter 34-21 to overrun Goldfields 104-96 on the road, while Mandurah beat struggling local rivals Rockingham 103-83.

Cockburn’s week got worse when they backed up Friday’s loss to Perry Lakes with a 107-88 home defeat at the hands of Wanneroo.

Article by Shayne Hope
Photo by Mick Cronin