Finals hopes are slipping away for Tigers after close defeat to Ambassadors

Ambassadors are in the box seat to finish on top of the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade standings after downing Tigers in round 13 on Tuesday night. With three rounds remaining the Ambassadors sit two points clear in first place with games against Barking Owls, Raiders under-18 development squad and Denmark Magpies to come. Tigers led by one point at half-time but Ambassadors pulled away in the second half to secure their eighth win of the season. Ambassadors scored the first eight points after the break and the margin from there shot out to double figures early as the ladder leaders took control. Scoring dried up late in the game but Ambassadors were able to prevail 37-29. Caleb Carman hit three long-range baskets to lead the way with 16 points for the victors while Dean Gliosca top-scored for Tigers with nine. The battle for the top four is heating up with the Infernos, Barking Owls and Sonics all on 29 points. Owls moved back to third spot after demolishing Railways Tigers in their clash by 38 points. In a high-scoring affair Owls did as they pleased against Railways to lead by 22 points at half-time before the margin blew out. Owls’ three-point shooting and offensive transition was a highlight in the 100-62 victory. Tall players Jordi O’Neill and Hamish McMorran starred with 34 and 26 points respectively and Luke McGuire hit four threes for his 12 points. Kyle Smith (20 points) and Kane Shephard (18) toiled hard for Railways. Infernos remain in the mix for a top-two spot in their inaugural season as they held off a determined Raiders outfit. Raiders produced a terrific second half to outscore Infernos by four points but they couldn’t recover from a 13-point half-time deficit as Infernos prevailed 64-55. Jeff Fitzpatrick was electric in the win, dropping 27 points, and James Kirby added 16 while Matthew Jerrard (15) and Austin Beeck (13) top-scored for Raiders. Denmark Magpies dug deep against The Sharks, keeping their finals hopes alive. At half-time Denmark led by five points but the margin never grew above six in the second half. Luke Wilson hit 19 points and was well supported by Reegan Hutchinson (15) as Denmark clung on 55-51. Red Rogers and Jack Adams each scored 16 for The Sharks.