Bet each way in semi for Ellis

Both very good — but both very different.

So said basketball legend Mike Ellis when asked about the Geraldton Buccaneers and Lakeside Lightning, combatants tomorrow night in the first semifinal in the SBL.

“Gero really has to win at home and hope they can pinch one in Perth — and they can do that,” Ellis, a former Perth Wildcats captain who coached the Warwick Senators in Geraldton last weekend, said.

“Gero can play in transition, they are a very good half-court offence team.

“Gero can execute well, anybody can score. And they are (massively) larger than Lightning.

“Lightning are smaller, but they are quicker, and more about the penetration.

“They have some exceptional shooters.

“They have one or two outstanding rebounders who give them a huge amount of second chances with shooting, they get so many offensive boards.

“They have been shooting very well of late and the Buccs challenge is to contain Lakeside in the half-court.

“Both very good sides with different strengths. One will be hotter than the other and put the ball in the hole more.”