Flames men, women win finals berth
![Darcee Garbin contributed 21 points and five boards in the Rockingham Flames’ 38-point win over the East Perth Eagles.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-114394/57a056cc81ebc_b88206242z.1_20160802160904_000_g1skrc05.1_1-1bq0lmc.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
The last of the playoff positions was decided on Saturday night to close the SBL season, with the Rockingham Flames men and women each securing a top-eight finish.
In the Saturday night matches closing the women’s season, the Flames defeated the East Perth Eagles 97-59, while the men also defeated the Eagles 113-79.
The Flames women secured second position with a dominant 38-point win over the Eagles at Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.
The Flames finish the season at 18-4 as they chase a championship three-peat, with the Eagles ending 2016 at 2-20, but avoiding bottom spot.
Sami Whitcomb delivered a dominant showing for Rockingham, finishing with 32 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists, while Darcee Garbin returned to contribute 21 points and five boards.
Ifunanya Ibekwe added 18 points, five rebounds, five steals and three assists for the Flames, with Ashlee Sidebottom delivering 11 points, six boards, two assists and two blocked shots. The Flames join the Cockburn Cougars, Joondalup Wolves, Willetton Tigers, Mandurah Magic, Lakeside Lightning, Perry Lakes Hawks and Perth Redbacks in the playoffs
In the men’s competition, the Eagles could no longer make the playoffs after the Hawks beat the Eastern Suns on Friday night, and that loss of motivation helped the Flames take full advantage, running out 34-point winners.
Rockingham finish the season fifth at 17-9, while East Perth are ninth at 10-16.
Cooper Land had another big night for the Flames with 31 points and nine rebounds, shooting 13-of-22 from the field.
Chudier Pal contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds for Rockingham, Jarryd Griffin 10 points and four boards, Taylor Land 10 points, seven assists, four steals and three rebounds, Ryan Jeffrey 10 points and six boards, and Ryan Godfrey nine points, three steals, two rebounds and two assists.
The men’s playoff teams are the Cockburn Cougars, Joondalup Wolves, Willetton Tigers, Geraldton Buccaneers, Rockingham Flames, Stirling Senators, Perth Redbacks and Perry Lakes Hawks.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails