By Sam Phillips
West Adelaide Bearcats 95 | South Adelaide Panthers 77

West Adelaide proved too strong against a persistent South Adelaide, extending their unbeaten streak to 5, with a 95-77 win at Marion on Saturday night.

The first quarter saw a fairly even contest with both sides pressing up hard on the ball carrier, creating opportunities for turnovers and steals.

The Bearcats utilised this press to their advantage, collecting 14 points from turnovers in the first half and 6 steals (compared to 2 pts and 1 steal from South). Early in the first, Tristan Braithwaite picked Thomas McKenzie’s pocket, taking the ball and weaving for a nice solo basket.

Adrien Coleman looked to get the Panthers’ crowd fired up, leaping high for an exciting dunk. However, Demetrius Perkins answered Coleman’s effort just moments later, securing an 8 point lead for West at the first break.

Demetrius Perkins continued to show why he’s among the top scorers in the league, hitting back to back three’s and picking up an impressive 20 points for the half. West’s lead had stretched to 12 points, aided by a strong presence under the ring by Blake Truslove (15 pts, 8 rebounds).

Steve Pilkington (12 points, 12 rebounds) was strong on boards at the other end for South and made the most of his time at the line. South was getting the better of the rebounds but this was yet to translate into any significant offensive gain, still trailing by 9 at the half, 35-44.

In typical style for the night, the Bearcats started the third strongly, going on an 8-0 run and opening up a large lead. Tom Kubank helped West even up the rebound tally, collecting 10 for the match on his way to a double-double (13 points).

Shane Boal (20 pts, 4 rebounds) attempted to wrestle the momentum back South’s way, picking up 8 points for the quarter and 17 for the second half. Coleman continued to be prominent and combined nicely with Mark Fuller (4 pts, 6 rebounds) but West was able to hold South at an arm’s length, leading by 13 at the final change.

South never gave up in last, getting within 9 points but West always had the answers when it mattered. Demetrius Perkins was excellent and finished with a game high 32 points (also 10 rebounds), continuing his good run of form.

Similarly, Adrien Coleman was consistent over the whole night picking up 29 points for South Adelaide (also 6 rebounds, 7 assists).

West Adelaide have a stern test against Woodville this week, while South Adelaide would be hoping for a competitive showing against a strong Tigers outfit.

Round 15: Saturday, 2 July at 8:15pm
Southern Tigers v South Adelaide Panthers @ Morphett Vale
Woodville Warriors v West Adelaide Bearcats @ St Clair