THE Joondalup Wolves are coming off back-to-back losses for the first time this season as they look to get back on the winner’s list against South West away in the State Basketball League on Saturday.
Joondalup will be frustrated to have come away from a double-header against their two nearest rivals last weekend without victory, losing to Perth (third) 99-66 on Friday before succumbing to Geraldton (second) 88-80 the following night.
The Wolves have lost to the Buccaneers both times they have faced them this season, which will give the regional side confidence should they meet in the finals.
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On Friday, a spread of scorers from the Redbacks helped the hosts defeat Joondalup at Belmont Oasis.
Perth had six players hit double figures, while the visitors had just three.
Much like the sides’ grand final clash last year, Perth big man Lee Roberts caused headaches for the Wolves with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
Joondalup’s Jalen Billups scored 17 points to equal scoring with Trian Iliadis and took nine rebounds, equal with Reece Maxwell.
On Saturday, the Wolves were down by three points at three-quarter time and could not peg back Geraldton, which inflicted Joondalup’s first defeat on its home court.
Rob Huntington led scoring for Joondalup with 21 points, while Billups had 10 rebounds.
The Lady Wolfpack is still searching for a win after a near-two month drought, going down to Perth 86-60 in a ninth straight loss.
Amy Kidner led scoring for a second week with 18 points.