Game Day Review vs Eagles - Round 18

Women's game review v Eagles: 

The last home game of the regular season saw the Chambers Franklyn, City of Joondalup Wolves take on the East Perth Eagles. It was standing room only as Wolves fans came out in force with the second biggest crowd numbers for the year. Although at opposite ends of the ladder the women’s game was a high quality affair as the Eagles were playing for pride and to prove a point. This was evident as the scores were tied at quarter time.

The Wolves went in to the main break trailing the Eagles and the second half was a fight to the end as both teams traded baskets and made pivotal runs to keep the bumper crowned on the edge of their seats.

Regular time wasn’t enough to split the two teams as the Eagles hit the tying basket with 0.7 second left on the game clock. A time out and set play from the Wolves wasn’t able to seal the win and overtime ensued. It took a big effort from Teige Morrell for the Wolves to claw their way back in front. Teige went on to have a monster game with 40 points and 16 rebounds at 60% from the field. Neseya Parker-Williams was instrumental with 21 points and 13 rebounds, as was Tia Ucich with a season high 19 points.

The Wolves were victors 94-87.

Men's game review v Eagles: 

Similarly, the men’s game was another high quality affair with the Eagles wanting to finish their season on a high. Again ladder position meant nothing in terms of the show the teams put on. It did mean something for the Wolves though as they needed to finish third to avoid a trip to Geraldton to take on the league leading Buccaneers in the first round of the finals.

It was a bit of a slug fest in the first half as both teams struggled to find their rhythm and physical defence was the order of the night. Only 2 points separated the teams at half time which meant the Wolves were going to have to dig deep to ensure they held third place on the ladder. After slow starts Julian Pesava and CJ Turnage got going in the second half and some big shots from CJ Turnage down the stretch gave the Wolves the lead with minutes to play.

The Wolves got the close win 90-84 on the back of a huge performance from Jonathan Wade with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. CJ Turnage chimed in with 18 points and 8 rebounds and was aided by running mate Julian Pesava with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Joel Vaiangina was solid with 13 points and 7 rebounds as too was Maris Colton with 14 points.

The Wolves now both advance to the qualifying finals with the Women playing Rockingham Flames this Friday night the 19^th of August at 7pm. The men travel down to Rockingham on Saturday to take on the Flames at 7pm.