Following Tigers' mauling of the Wolfpack, reigning mid-season champions Central Flames smashed Hopewell Vipers in a one-sided affair on Saturday night, 75-57.

The 18 point drubbing was expected, given the team’s proximity to one another on the league ladder and Central's dominance over their neighborly rivals throughout the regular season.

Hopewell turned up to play later down in the match, but by then with Central's strong season as testament they were over-powered. Hopewell trailed by 18-points at quarter-time. The Vipers fought back in the second term as both teams scored 14 a piece, but were only to keep the same distance (18-point margin), the scoreboard now read 40-22at halftime.

Flames again outscored the Vipers 20-11 in the third term to keep the heat and pressure on. With the game slipping from their grasps, Vipers dug deep for one last push, even outscored Flames 24-15 in the fourth, but it was too much for them to make up.

Craig Dorman had a massive game for the Flames with 30 points, 9 rebounds, five assists and four steals. Sheldon Myrie chipped in with 20 points, while Cecil Cole added 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Vipers' was best served by Gavin Forbes, who claimed 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Dwight Reid picked up 10 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

Game 2 will be played on Sunday at the same venue, tip-off 5:30pm.


By Khurt Comrie for WBA Media.