A 40-PIECE from Mitch Clarke was enough to get the Perry Lakes Hawks past the Willetton Tigers in a thrilling contest in the NBL1 West Men’s over the weekend.

In a highly anticipated match, Friday night’s game at Bendat Basketball Centre was a clash between two contending sides currently placed in the top four, and was potentially a glimpse at what fans could expect come finals time. With just a few weeks left until the postseason begins, the stakes were high for both sides as the Hawks looked to stay in touch with the ladder-leading Flames, while the Tigers were eager to cement their standing inside the top four.

The game delivered on the hype, as Bendat Basketball Centre was treated to an enthralling battle that was only decided at the death. It was a slow start to the game, as the defence of both sides came to the forefront with a combined 22 points scored in the first term, but the Tigers still managed to take a seven-point lead into the first change.

Although both sides got their offensive production rolling in the second quarter, the margin remained unaffected. Willetton looked a strong chance to take out the blockbuster contest after extending its lead out to nine heading into the last, but the home side had one last charge. Perry Lakes stormed home in the final term, and took the lead in the final 10 seconds and held on in the dying stages.

Clarke proved to be the difference for the winning side, not only carrying the team’s offensive production, but also hitting the go-ahead bucket in the final seconds of the match.

Perry Lakes Hawks (95) def. Willetton Tigers (94)

Mitch Clarke – 40 points, one rebound, four assists, five steals

If not for Clarke’s dominance on the offensive end, it is hard to see the Hawks getting over the line against the Tigers after the 23-year-old stood up when it mattered most for the hosts.

His 40 points were on the back of an accurate shooting performance from the field. Clarke was given license to take whatever shot he saw fit, and it resulted in his side getting to a winning score, albeit in dramatic fashion.

He made 15 shots on 23 attempts, with a near-perfect balance of inside and outside scoring, but it was his long-range shooting that did the most damage to the opposition. Clarke nailed seven three-pointers on 10 attempts, including a couple of crucial splashes in the final term.

Clarke also hit the most important shot of the game, driving to the hoop in the final seconds of the match and finishing at the rim with 10 seconds to play, giving his side the eventual match-winning lead in the process.

A professional scorer, Clarke was the separating factor between the two sides in a clash that was awfully close. The Hawks were able to put the ball in his hands and trust that the guard could get himself into scoring position, nearly registering half of his side’s score in the process.