Willetton Tigers’ season over after men and women bow out of SBL quarter finals

WILLETTON Tigers’ season is over after both their men and women’s teams bowed out of the quarter-|finals of the State Basketball League.

After both sides lost the first game of their best-of-three series, they faced an uphill battle to progress to the semi-finals.

Despite valiant efforts from the two teams, they were unable to extend the series as the men lost 109-87 to Joondalup Wolves and the women fell 79-73 to Kalamunda Eastern Suns.

The Wolves men led virtually all night and despite Willetton’s best efforts, proved to be too clinical.

Damien Scott did all he could for the Tigers with 28 points, five steals and three assists, while Jay Bowie contributed 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Andrew Black added 11 points and five assists and Badou Diagne finished with 10 points and five rebounds.

Meanwhile, the women’s hopes of a fourth-straight semi-finals appearance ended in a close-fought game with Kalamunda.

After Willetton opened up an early 10-point advantage, Kalamunda pulled away in the second quarter and led 43-40 at half-time.

The lead doubled to six points by three-quarter time and the Eastern Suns were able to close the deal and advance to the semi finals.

Leah Cotton top-scored for Willetton with 23 points and six rebounds before fouling out late, shooting 7-16 from the floor and 9-9 from the foul line.

Ashli Payne added 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Tigers, while Emma Gandini scored nine points and grabbed two assists.