Round 8 – Willetton vs Rockingham.
A split result from the 2 games played down at Mike Barnett Recreation Centre on Saturday night. The Tiger girls came out firing in the first quarter, holding a 10 point lead at quarter time with the majority of their points coming from the paint. The Flames adjusted and managed to wrestle back a 7 point lead at the half, shooting an impressive 55% from the 3pt line for the quarter.
After regrouping at half time, the Tiger girls came out roaring, outscoring the Flames 22 – 13 in the third, and 22-12 in the fourth quarter to win by 12 points. Tayla Hepburn put on an impressive display with 21 points, majority of those coming from her handy post moves, and 12 rebounds. Alex Sharp continued her consistent form with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Emma Gandini offered her usual defensive prowess when it was needed by her team to change the momentum of the game, and Sophie Doran came off the bench to hit a crucial 3 in the final quarter.
An impressive display that added another win to the girls season, making their current record 7 and 1 and seeing them continue to hold their 2nd spot on the NBL1 West Women’s ladder.
The Tiger men had a tougher night out in Rockingham, going down to the Flames by 16 points. After a low scoring first quarter, the Tigers trailed 13-6 at quarter time. The scoring for both sides was still slow going in the second quarter, with the Flames keeping their nose in front outscoring the Tigers 17 – 15 for the quarter. The tigers continued the fight in the second half, managing to outscore the Flames in the final quarter 29-22, unfortunately still falling short.
Oliver Hayes-Brown had another double double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Damien Scott finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Travis Fee contributed off the bench with 10 points and 3 rebounds. Despite the tough loss, the club commemorated the 250 game milestone of Michael Vigor, and will honour him with a presentation at the next home game on Saturday the 11th of June.
The men maintain their position as 10th on the ladder, with their record standing a 5 wins and 4 losses. Both teams will be looking to secure 2 wins after the BYE round when they face Bunbury and Mandurah in a double header on the 10th and 11th of June.
Game Night Photos
Thanks to June for the great shots on the night, check out the full gallery for the women’s game HERE
and for the men’s game HERE
