A dominant Hoopers outfit have taken a big strides towards securing their spot in the Final 4 (semi-finals round) of the Western Basketball Association's (WBA) Lucozade Sport Men's Basketball Championship after winning both quarter-final games last weekend at the Montego Bay Cricket Club court.

Hoopers bounced Granville Wolfpack 89-80 on Saturday; returned on Sunday to stifle title favorites Granville Jaguars 81-70 and snap their previous eight straight wins record.

Hoopers' captain Andrae Morgan marshaled his troops, scoring a game-high 27 points. Omar Taylor scored 17 points, Marlon Comrie had another double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Nicholas Daye rounded out the scoring with 14 points. Wolfpack, despite their high-scoring offense and four players in double figures, was just not enough to overcome their experienced opponents. Neil Samuels top-scored with 21 points, with Andre Uter, Vaughn Lee and Albert Morgan scoring 12 points each. Munroe also snatched ten steals.

Sunday's upset win surprised Jaguars, they never saw the Hoopers' ambush coming. Rejoining the team after a six weeks hiatus due to studies, Neville Clare ignited their offense with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Taylor continuing his consistent play in the playoffs scored 15 points, and Morgan added 10 points along with five assists.

Leroy Lawrence led Jaguars with 25 points, Douglas Powell scored 17 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals, while Huwayne Blake playing below par scored 14 points.

Jaguars rebounded in their game on Sunday to maul their neighbors Wolfpack by 36 points on their way to a 102-66 morale building victory. Jaguars' four pronged offense was led by Lawrence again with 25 baskets, Blake 22 points, 12 boards along with 7 steals. Powell added 15 points and 5 assists, Craig Bernard had ten.

Wolfpack's Neil Samuels averaging 21.5 points per game in the playoffs led his team with 22. Phillip Morrison and Vaughn Lee contributed with 12 respectively.

Sav Hawks stop Avalanche

Mid-season champions Inner-city Avalanche split their two games, beating Railway Tigers 83-59 on Saturday, but were thwarted 74-68 by Sav-La-Mar Hawks on Sunday.

Kareem Hibbert, who connected on six three-pointers from long-range, led the flag bearers for Westmoreland team with 36 points, Terrence Pate scored 16, while Kenneth Blackwood got 12 points.

Avalanche's Chayne Topey scored team-high 18 points, he was supported by Cleon Morgan's 15 and Oneil Clarke's 11 points.

Topey was also the top scorer on Saturday with 24 points and seven steals. Two players got double-doubles - Steven James had 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Damian Smith had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
 

By Khurt Comrie for WBA Media.