IN A terrific team performance, Roosevelt Williams Jr. almost posted a triple-double to lead his side to a 19-point win as the Willetton Tigers downed the Rockingham Flames in the NBL1 West Men’s Qualifying Final.

Coming into the top-four clash, the Flames were well-placed, having finished atop the standings and secured homecourt advantage at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Saturday night. Rockingham had proven tough to beat throughout the 2025 season, and it was going to take a strong showing from the Tigers in enemy territory.

In a high-scoring encounter, the Tigers stunned the Flames in the first quarter, dropping 29 points in the opening frame to lead by 10 points at the first change. Although Rockingham steadied on the eve of half time, the visitors broke away again in the third quarter, overrunning the Flames with sheer scoring power. The Tigers shot 60 per cent from the field in a tremendous offensive showing, and are now one win away from a Grand Final berth.

Although there were plenty of contributors for the Tigers in the upset win, Williams Jr.’s ability to impact the game in several ways was crucial for Willetton’s success, and he showed why he has tremendous upside with a big-game performance.

Rockingham Flames (102) def. by Willetton Tigers (121)

Roosevelt Williams Jr. – 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, one steal

Williams Jr. was superb for the victors in their most impressive and important result of the season, stuffing the stat sheet in an excellent showing and demonstrating just how balanced his game is and how damaging he can be.

The guard started the match getting plenty of touches early, showcasing his skill on the glass by pulling down plenty of defensive rebounds in the opening minutes of the contest. Although he missed his first few shots for the match, Williams Jr. finally nailed his first field goal with a nice driving layup through contact, although he could not convert the and-one.

He showed his passing ability with a nice pass to Taeshon Cherry on the perimeter, who knocked down the triple accordingly, before Williams Jr. got involved again on the scoring front with a nice finish at the cup before a short stint on the bench. The guard nailed his first three-pointer of the game on the eve of half time as the Tigers took a commanding 21-point lead into the main break.

Williams Jr. started the second half with impressive aggression, ensuring the opposition could not keep him off the glass and drawing contact after pulling down the offensive rebound. He began to implement his passing craft by setting up teammates throughout the third quarter, recording six assists for the period to keep the Tigers’ offence humming and his side’s lead still out at 17 points despite a push from the Flames.

He showed his strength and composure with another and-one layup to open the fourth quarter as the Tigers held a healthy lead. It sparked a flurry of inside baskets for Williams Jr., as well as a nice long range bomb as it was officially party time for Willetton. The Tigers closed out the match in style with another big offensive showing in the final frame to cement their spot in the preliminary final in a fortnight.

He finished the match with 22 points to his name on 8/16 shooting from the field, alongside his 10 rebounds and eight assists in a hugely balanced performance. If he can be just as productive in the preliminary final, a spot in the big dance would be imminent for the Tigers.