Cougars to meet Eagles in SBL Grand Final Sept. 1st

The finals of the State Basketball League in Western Australia, Australia, are set with newcomers to the Grand Final, East Perth, and the Cockburn Cougars, who have reached their first final since 2003. The Cougars last won the Grand Final in 1992.

The East Perth Eagles have earned a spot in the championship game by defeating the defending champions, the Wanneroo Wolves, 83-67, to end a best-of-three series 2-0. The victory sends the Eagles to their first men’s grand final in club history.

Tom Jervis paced the Eagles in the final semi-final contest with 21 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks, while teammate Drew Williamson added 20 points to the victory.

The Wolves were led by Jordan Wild, who dropped in 22 points and collected 14 rebounds, Seb Salina added 18 points and nine rebounds, Damian Matacz contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds to the losing effort.

The Cougars needed three games to get past their opponents, the Lakeside Lightning. In the tie-breaker, the Cougars got 30 points and 15 rebounds from Jeremiah Wilson. Samien Scott added 16 points in the win, Brian Carlwell contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds. Ben Beran paced the Lightning with 28 points and 15 rebounds, Ryan Sofoulis added 19 and Chris Sofoulis dropped in 18 in the loss.

The Grand Final will be held on Sept. 1 at the WA Basketball Center in Perth, Western Australia.