CBC up the ante again in percentage-boosting victory against Saints

CBC showcased ominous form just weeks out from the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association’s men’s division one finals with a 109-72 domination of Saints on Friday night.

In a key match-up between the division’s top two to launch the second half of the season, CBC won every quarter to move within a game of first place.

That position still belongs to Saints, but CBC have now won each of their past two head-to-head clashes against the defending premiers.

And CBC might be hitting their straps at precisely the right time, complemented by the acquisition of former Goldfields Giants squad member Mike Exell.

After years living and working in WA’s remote North West, Exell scored 15 points in his return game when CBC kicked into high gear with a 34-11 third period.

Exell and Jamie Bratton, each with 15 points, were perfect foils for Flynn Baroni (24 points) and Sam Morrow (23 points).

Michael Gardner (19 points) and Lachlan Clements (18 points) were the offensive leaders for Saints, who have lost two of their past four games after opening the season with seven consecutive wins.

With the minor premiership wide open, CBC and Saints clash again on February 21 in the second-last round of qualifiers.

CBC’s past six games have produced five wins.

Last week’s split round started on Thursday night, when Franchise beat Olympians 93-77.

Franchise showcased a strong start with a 49-34 opening half.

Olympians shaded the third period 15-14, but Franchise finished off with a 30-point last term.

Olympians’ Nick Shaw racked up a game-high 35 points, but it was offset in the opposition camp by the combined output of Jerome Reid (23 points), Nick Lawrence (20), Kieran Russell (13), and Owen Fowler (13).

It was Franchise’s fourth win of the season, but they remain four games adrift of the top two.

Olympians are a further three games back in last place, with one win.

Round 12 starts on Thursday night, when Franchise oppose CBC.

Ladder:

Saints 29 points; CBC 27; Franchise 19; Olympians 13.