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The Lakeside Lightning are back on top of the WABL Open Championship, defeating the Willetton Tigers 94-81 in Sunday’s 2026 Men’s Grand Final at Warwick Stadium to claim their first title since 2019.

After claiming the minor premiership with a 12-2 record, the Lightning reached the Grand Final with victories over the Perry Lakes Hawks and Cockburn Cougars. Willetton, the reigning champions, entered the Grand Final looking to defend their 2025 title after finishing third with a 10-4 record and advancing through the finals with wins over the Eastern Suns and East Perth Eagles.

The Lightning made the early running, taking a 25-21 lead at quarter-time before extending their advantage to 50-41 by the main break. Willetton refused to go away, cutting the margin to six points at the final change, but Lakeside finished strongly with a 24-17 final quarter to secure the 94-81 victory.

Lakeside’s efficiency at the offensive end proved the difference, shooting an outstanding 52.2 per cent from the field compared to Willetton’s 35.4 per cent. While the Tigers were more accurate at the free throw line (16-of-19) and controlled the rebound count 48-42, including 24 offensive rebounds that created valuable second-chance opportunities, the Lightning converted an efficient 25-of-41 inside the three-point line, while the Tigers connected on just 9-of-32 attempts from beyond the arc.

Forward Trey Crawford produced a dominant Grand Final performance to earn MVP honours, finishing with game highs of 27 points and 15 rebounds. Crawford shot an efficient 11-of-15 from the field, highlighted by a pair of emphatic dunks, while also contributing three assists, two blocks and a steal.

League MVP Tyson Kelly orchestrated the Lightning offence with 15 points and a game-high eight assists, while forward Isaiah Coleman recorded a well-rounded double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Guard Finlay Payne also reached double figures with 11 points.

Willetton was led by Aaron Gashaw, who finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Lachlan Burnett added 17 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Channing Olowoyo contributed 15 points. In the paint, John Ibukunoluwa collected seven points and 10 rebounds, with Alexander Edwards adding nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds off the bench.

The championship capped an outstanding campaign for the Lightning, converting their regular season success into the club’s first Open Championship men’s title since 2019.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP MEN’S GRAND FINAL 2026
LAKESIDE LIGHTNING 94 (Crawford 27, Kelly 15, Coleman 14, Payne 11)
WILLETTON TIGERS 81 (Gashaw 22, Burnett 17, Olowoyo 15)
Grand Final MVP: Trey Crawford (Lakeside)
BOX SCORE
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