Sat Night | Wally Hagan Stadium

The Eastern Suns hit the road tomorrow night for one of their biggest challenges of the season as they take on the Cockburn Cougars at Wally Hagan Stadium.

Both Suns teams face quality opposition, with the Women looking to bounce back against the competition leaders, while the Men have an opportunity to strengthen their position inside the NBL1 West top four against a fellow top 4 contender.

With the season entering its final stretch, every game carries extra significanceβ€”and tomorrow night’s clash is no exception.

FORM GUIDE

The Suns Men head into the weekend after splitting their Round 13 double-header, defeating Warwick behind a sensational 40-point performance from Marley Sam before narrowly falling to the Geraldton Buccaneers in the Mitchell Delle Coste Memorial Game. Despite the result, the Suns showed they can match it with one of the competition’s best and currently sit inside the top four.

The Suns Women also continue to show encouraging signs despite their results, producing another competitive performance against Warwick and continuing to improve each week.

Cockburn enter the round in outstanding form. The Men sit just behind the Suns in fifth after recording wins over both Lakeside and Willetton last weekend, while the Women remain on top of the NBL1 West ladder after extending their winning streak with victories over the same opponents.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Women

The Suns Women faced the undefeated Cougars last season and, despite the 103–64 result, never stopped competing against one of the league’s premier teams.

Karly Murphy produced another remarkable double-double with 22 points and 23 rebounds, while Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant and Emma Strelein each added 10 points in a determined team effort.

Men

The Suns Men delivered one of their most complete performances of the season in the previous meeting, defeating the Cougars 104–80 after controlling the contest from start to finish.

Terrico White starred with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, while Marshall Nelson contributed 22 points and 7 assists. Joel Vaiangina also made his presence felt with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks as the Suns won every quarter in a dominant display.

ONES TO WATCH

Fresh off one of the best performances of the season, Marley Sam enters tomorrow night’s clash full of confidence after pouring in 40 points against Warwick. His ability to score while also creating opportunities for teammates makes him one of the most exciting players in the competition.

Terrandus Smith will also have extra motivation as he comes up against his former club. A proven game-changer on both ends of the floor, Smith will be looking to make a statement in a crucial matchup with potential top-four implications.

A huge road challenge.

The Suns know exactly what’s at stake as they head to Wally Hagan Stadium. With finals positions tightening and momentum on the line, expect both teams to leave everything on the floor.