After suffering emotional losses during their last three encounters against Central Flames, Granville Wolfpack and Railway Tigers, the Hopewell Vipers were determined to bounce back to winning ways and erase the memories as they faced the pitiful Innercity Junior Avalanche on Sunday night in Lucozade Sport MBC action. Hopewell were too strong in this one and continued their push up the ladder, winning 80-54.

In the first term the Vipers outscored the Jnr. Avalanche 23-2, as Innercity struggled from the field making only one of 8 attempts.

Innercity closed the gap in the second term despite shooting only marginally better from the field, nevertheless it was not enough to overtake the leaders, outscoring Jnr. Avs 21-13 to take a solid 44-15 halftime score.

Vipers extended their lead in the third term racking up 15 points, while Jnr. Avalanche outscored them with their 16 point effort, but this was still not enough to depreciate the massive lead Vipers had amassed.

Innercity maintained the momentum going into the final term, surging ahead to win the term 23-21. Despite their best efforts due to the big lead Hopewell remain comfortably in the driver's seat.

For the Vipers, Demar McGregor top-scored with 23 points, 7 rebounds and five steals. Boris Riggan dropped 14 points and Dwight Reid 12 points in support.

Vanroy Rochester and Mickey Haughton both scored 17 points for the Jnr. Avalanche.

The win cemented Vipers in the fourth spot behind Granville Wolfpack although both are on 14 points.


By Khurt Comrie for WBA Media.