Match Report: Round Ten

 Jaguars Just Keep Dominating

Just when the Sav-La-Mar Hawks hoped to have regained some stability in the Lucozade Sport Men's Basketball Championship regular season, back-to-back losses happened.

Following on from the points they lost for showing up late for their encounter with Bay City Lions two weekends ago, Hawks fell 67-60 to Innercity Avalanche in round 10 on Saturday.

Point guard Kareem Hibbert had 15 points, while Kenneth Blackwood and Terrence Tate posted double-digits scores as the Hawks lost consecutive games for the first time this season and Avalanche moved level with Hoopers for second place.

Avalanche led 48-41 after three quarters, following a 17-13 third period sparked by Cleon Morgan and Damian 'Lapas' Smith putting a closely contested game out of reach for Hawks. Morgan ended with game high 25 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals, while Smith collected his second double-double of the season with 10 points/10 rebounds. Hawks dropped to 5-4 and are now nestled in fourth place.

Bringing the curtains down on Saturday was the return match between Railway Tigers and the Bay City Lions. From tip-off both teams were rearing to 'tear' each other apart. Led by team captain Floyd Dixon, Lions edged their opponents 16-15 in the first period, however Tigers pounced back in the second period holding Lions to a meager six points while amassing 20 in dominating fashion, holding a 35-22 lead going into the halftime break.

Lions roared back in the third taking control at intervals to reduce Tigers lead by turning up the pressure on defense. Again Dixon and Damion Henry were vital snatching a combined total of five steals in the quarter allowing the team to convert into valuable points down the stretch

After absorbing all the defensive pressure it was now the fourth quarter and Tigers had endured enough. Caustant Holness made crucial baskets when it mattered - he made 14 while grabbing 4 boards. Jermaine Rerrie who had a quite first half energized his team with 10 rebounds/4 blocks showing. He even added eight points as his efforts made things difficult for Lions. Point guard Anthony Christie had 9 points, 5 assists and 3 steal in his contribution to seal a 68-52 victory for Tigers. Lion's Dixon ended with game-high 18 points/6 steals, Henry supported with 15 and 5 steals while Don Cameron the hero in his team's first win over Wolfpack two weeks ago had a quiet night with 11. Tigers now boasting a two game win streak and 4-4 record, Lions on the other hand drop to 2-7.

Despite a new 36 points season record and personal best set by Granville Wolfpack's guard Neil 'Chinny' Samuels, still was not enough to derail their stable mates Granville Jaguars in Sunday's game. The game was keenly contested as anticipated. Jaguars maintained dominant form right through out the first three quarters, allowing Wolfpack to win the final stanza.

Samuels was instrumental in the fight to stay alive, but this loss has pushed Wolfpack deeper into relegation territory and the win has increased Jaguars lead in the standings; they now hold the longest win streak this season which is 5.

Guard Andre Uter supported Samuels with 19 points/5 assists and 2 steals with his effort, Vaughn Lee who has seen his production level reduced due to the introduction of Samuels in the lineup worked well on the offensive and defensive boards accumulating 15 rebounds. He made crucial steals which thwarted Jaguars offensive scheme and scored eight points in the process.

Jaguars led by Leroy Lawrence set the tone however, closing down the middle and forcing Wolfpack to make jump shots from outside. At the end of the third stanza Jags lead was 67-54, but in the fourth, Wolfpack showed their dominance - giving their brothers a run for their money outscoring them 29-24 but still not enough to overtake them. Jaguars' Huwayne Blake Player of the Month for March scored 20 points while Craig Bernard added 18 points and 9 rebounds one shy of a double-double.
 

By Khurt Comrie for WBA Media.