NBL1 West - Joondalup Wolves v Rockingham Flames Preliminary Final Review

Just two days after a gritty Semi-Final victory against the Willetton Tigers, the Wolves set off on the road yet again to face the defending National Champions. Five ladder spots separated the Flames from the Wolves in the regular season; now only one game was between the Wolves and the NBL1 West Grand Final.

The Wolves brought the fire to the Hot-House in the first quarter by being aggressive and active on defence which included a pair of huge blocks from Bryan Michaels. However, the Wolves struggled to hone it in from range leading to an early 6-point Rockingham lead heading into the second quarter.   

The Wolves were just getting started, overcoming the 6-point deficit with a huge a 14-0 run sparked by an aggressive onslaught at the rim from CJ Turnage, Quintin Dove and made baskets from range by Ioannis Dimakopoulos and Bryan Michaels.

Christian Jurlina, Jordan Wellsteed and Bryan Michaels worked tirelessly on the defensive end to prevent the Rockingham star guards from starting an offensive streak of their own. Marshall Nelson, Devondrick Walker, and Justin Beard combined for 4/30 from 3-point range for the game. Rockingham Captain Ryan Godfrey led the team from range, converting 6/11 on three-point attempts.

A dramatic fourth quarter saw the lead jump multiple times before landing in a tie to end regulation 84-84. Overtime was a very competitive fight for the lead. Quintin Dove was effective in getting critical points at the line, making all 8 attempts for the game.

CJ Turnage and Bryan Michaels made some crucial inside baskets to open the lead to 3. With less than a minute left in the game Devondrick Walker hit a huge 3 to tie the score once more. Tom Jervis got a crucial stop on Dove with 30 seconds left on the clock, which saw the ball in the hands of Christian Jurlina, who then kicked the ball to the open Ioannis who nailed the dagger from deep to ice the game 97-94.

The Flames couldn’t answer, ending the game in a 97-94 OT victory for the Wolfpack!

We move on to the Grand Final this Saturday against the Geraldton Buccaneers at Bendat Basketball Centre. If you missed out on tickets to the game, join us in the Wolves Den for a ‘Fans Watch Party’ with food, drinks, and prizes to be won!

See you there!