In the State Basketball League over the weekend the Southlands Willetton Tigers Women’s team took another step towards achieving their season long goal of another Grand Final and a tilt at the Championship when they smashed the Kalamunda Suns 77-55 in game one of their best of three semi final series.

The series now shifts to Willetton Basketball Stadium this Saturday night at 7:30pm for game two, then if required a game three decider at noon Sunday. 

On Saturday night in game one at Kalamunda the Tigers jumped out of the blocks with an 8-0 run and never looked back. By the first break the Tigers had built an 11 point lead (26-15) while the Suns were struggling with their shooting percentage.

The lead was nudging 20 points midway through the second quarter but the Suns managed to hang tight and the Tigers went into the half time break with a comfortable 15 point (43-28) advantage. 

Through the second half the Suns persisted to bomb away, unsuccessfully, from beyond the arc to try and peg back the deficit while the Tigers relied on their structured clockwork offences. By three quarter time the game was all but over with the Tigers leading by 25 points (64-39) and the final quarter was just all about going through the motions as Tigers put on the hand brake and eased up, though still running out winners 77-55.

Tiger Kate Malpass lead all scorers with 23 points. Jasmine Hooper stepped up with an impressive 18 point haul and Ashley Gilmore had a typically solid double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Suns had just one player in double figure scoring – Samantha Norwood with 20 points and 14 rebounds to go with them.

Going into game two this weekend the Tigers will be confident, but weary, as the penultimate game (the Grand Final) is now clearly within reach.

The finals crowds at Willetton Basketball Stadium are usually a packed house so make sure you come along early this Saturday night before the 7:30pm tip-off. Tickets at the door.

Article by Willetton Tigers
Photo by June Halliday