Venomous Redbacks climb into top four (Week 12 Men's Wrap)
The Perth Redbacks were the big movers in round 12 of the Men’s State Basketball League with a comfortable pair of wins over lowly ranked Stirling and Goldfields.
The Redbacks jumped from eighth to fourth and are now challenging the likes of Perry Lakes and East Perth for the top positions below runaway ladder leaders Lakeside Lightning, who extended their winning streak to eight games.
Perth kick-started their season with a 99-81 win over Stirling on the road on Saturday, with NBL swingman Bennie Lewis starring with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Perth Wildcats development player Michael Vigor had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Redbacks, while Justin Brown dropped 19 points in another impressive display.
There was more to come on Sunday, when the Redbacks demolished Goldfields 112-69 at Belmont.
The Redbacks had six players in double figures on the scoreboard, with Lewis (21) and Jarrad Prior (19) the best of them.
Perth have now won three of their past four games and boast a 10-7 record above three teams – Geraldton, Mandurah and South West – on 9-7.
Title favourites Lakeside beat Goldfields 95-93 in a thriller on Saturday to continue a winning streak that dates back to Anzac Day.
Justin Cecil’s 37 points and Jarrad Prue’s 23 rebounds were highlights of the Lightning’s latest victory.
Second-placed East Perth kept up the pace with a 118-112 win away to Wanneroo, as did Perry Lakes with their 92-83 victory over Geraldton.
The Buccs picked up a win the night before with a 105-90 victory over the Willetton Tigers.
Kalamunda scored a rare 105-100 win on Sunday over reigning champions Cockburn, who are struggling near the foot of the ladder.
NBA prospect Luke Nevill top-scored with 33 points and 19 rebounds, while Benjamin Smith nailed 31 points at a 52.4 per cent clip.
David Reichel top-scored for the Cougars with 29 points.
It was a tough weekend for Cockburn, who were beaten 90-83 by Mandurah on Saturday.
Back on Friday, South West beat Mandurah 101-81 and Stirling scored an upset 94-78 win over Rockingham.
Article by Shayne Hope
Photo by Helen Theoharakis (Hoop Shots): BOQ Perth Redbacks centre Justin Brown
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