Rockingham Flames continue winning streak

The Rockingham Flames defeated Willetton Tigers by 16 points at home on Saturday night in round 8.

Despite the absence of Greg Hire, who was playing at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Manila Masters in the Philippines, Flames did not disappoint, delivering an impressive performance against Willetton at Mike Barnett Sports Complex.

The opening quarter saw a slow start, with the two teams putting up a combined 19 points with Flames leading 13-6 at quarter-time. By half-time things started to pick up, with the teams adding a few points to the scoreboard and Flames remaining on top 30-21.

Rockingham’s Tom Jervis and Marshall Nelson showed up in impressive fashion in the third quarter and Rockingham put up 29 points to 15, including 13 consecutive points at one point, to lead by 23 points at three quarter-time.

The advantage grew to 24 early in the fourth quarter, with Rockingham securing the win with a 81-65 victory to go 7-2 in the season so far.

Marshall Nelson had a brilliant game with the Flames on the night as he continues to try to earn a full-time contract for NBL’s 2023 season. He delivered 39 points, five rebounds and three assists on 14/22 shooting from the field, 4/9 from downtown and 7/9 at the foul line.

Devondrick Walker added another 21 points and eight rebounds for Rockingham with 3/6 from deep and Tom Jervis contributed nine points, 17 rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots.

It was a tough night for Willetton but Oliver Hayes-Brown put up 19 points and 13 rebounds fresh off re-signing at the Perth Wildcats, while fellow big man Michael Vigor had eight points and four boards in his 250th appearance in the league.