Enjoying a home court advantage, the Willetton Tigers’ men’s and women’s sides claimed huge wins over Lakeside Lightning on April 17.
Saturday saw both clubs return to the new-look Willetton Basketball Stadium for round one of the inaugural NBL1 West competition.
In front of a spirited crowd, the Tigers’ women’s side launched its season campaign with a 55-point win over the Lightning.
With plenty of firepower, the Tigers raced out to a commanding 14-5 lead at the first change.
The side shot an impressive 27 points to five in the second quarter, before putting away another 26-15 in the third.
At the end of a thrilling final term, the Tigers stormed home to secure a well-deserved 89-34 victory.
Showcasing her impeccable skills, Perth Lynx player Alex Sharp picked up a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Emma Gandini slotted 22 points, while teammates Hayley Winter and Desiree Kelley scored 20 and 11 respectively.
In a much closer contest, Willetton’s men’s side did enough to clinch a nine-point win over Lakeside.
Led by Scottish-Australian star Michael Vigor (22 points, 12 rebounds), the Tigers produced plenty of outstanding moments in the first term.
With the scores level (27-all) at quarter time, the home side needed to re-group and create even more opportunities.
Ahead by just one point at the main break, Willetton then rallied to sink 29-17 in the third quarter.
At the final buzzer, the Tigers celebrated a hard-fought 96-87 win.
Roosevelt Williams and Damien Scott scored 21 points each, finishing ahead of teammate Connor Mincherton (10).
Returning to Willetton, the Tigers will face off against the Kalamunda Eastern Suns in round two.
