SBL: tough weekend for East Perth Eagles as men and women fall to Joondalup

EAST Perth Basketball Association men’s team just fell short against Joondalup Wolves in a 90-88 defeat in the SBL at the weekend.

The Eagles had the chance to take the win with a three-point attempt by veteran Corey Easley on the buzzer while the Wolves’ Rob Huntington also missed a shot to extend the lead.

Mason Bragg played the whole game for the Eagles and fought hard to finish the night with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Eagles captain Drew Williamson had 15 points, five assists and four rebounds while Kevin Davis contributed 14 points and five boards against his old team.

Ngor Manyang scored 12 points and player-coach Joe-Alan Tupaea finished with 10 points.

Tupaea said it was a tough loss as the Eagles lacked discipline and focus.

“We gave up too many offensive rebounds and gambled a lot on defence,” he said.

“Offensively we were able to make easy plays and execute out of the offense but weren’t solid and consistent enough on the defensive end.

“A lot of positives to take from this game which is good as we prepare for a tough double header next week as we play the South West Slammers at home on Friday and last year’s premiers, the Cockburn Cougars on Sunday.

“All though we’re another game further away then we want to be, we are starting to gel and work together more as a team which is good.”

Meanwhile, the women lost to the Wolves 41-64 in a low-scoring affair.

The Eagles were one point behind at quarter time but the Wolves pulled away to lead by 13 point at half time.

The Eagles held the second-placed Wolves to 24 points in the second half, but responded by scoring only 14 points themselves.

Kaylee Kilpatrick top-scored for the Eagles with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Jodee Sontay added 10 points and five rebounds while Nicole Jorre St Jorre notched eight points, six boards, three assists and two steals.

Assistant coach Bill Edwards said the team had to be consistent at both ends of the court and maintain effort in every quarter.

“We knew this game was going to be tough, and we fought hard to restrict the Wolves scoring,” he said.

“What we didn’t do well is finish our offensive game.”

The Eagles will play the Slammers at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre on Friday.

MORE: Son of missing man hopes father will be found to get dignified funeral

MORE: Police hunt thieves after attempted ram raid

MORE: Midland Gate shoppers to face parking squeeze as $100m expansion begins