Rockingham Flames to host preliminary clash after nine-point win over Joondalup Wolves

Rockingham Flames have booked in hosting rights for the preliminary finals after taking down the Joondalup Wolves by nine points at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Saturday.

Finishing the regular season in second place on the NBL1 West ladder and just above the Wolves, Rockingham were the favourites despite Joondalup handing them a three-point loss in round 13.

The Flames took control early in the first quarter but Joondalup was not going to concede too early, putting up 22 points to Rockingham’s 20 to lead by two heading into the second.

Joondalup continued to strengthen their margin in the second quarter with 29 points to Rockingham’s 21, putting them up 51-41 at halftime.

A dominant third quarter effort saw the Flames fight their way back against a fatigued Wolves, putting up 23 points to 11 and leading by two heading into the final term.

The Flames showed more grit in the fourth quarter, keeping Joondalup to just 15 points while they scored 22 to run home with an 86-77 win.

MVP Devondrick Walker delivered 27 points with five three-pointers for Rockingham and Tom Jervis was superb again as the floor general centre with 15 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.

Julian Pesava put up 27 points with six triples for Joondalup and CJ Turnage contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The win will see Rockingham Flames host the winner of the Cockburn Cougar and Warwick Senators clash in the preliminary final at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on August 27.