Tigers crush off-target Crabs

Tigers have brushed aside a disappointing Crabs outfit to record their seventh with of the season without guards John and Joe Santia in round 10 of the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night.

Dean Gliosca stepped up to fill the void left by the dynamic Santia brothers, as he splashed three long-range baskets on his way to a game-high 12 points.

In a game riddled with fouls and poor shooting, Tigers led by three points at half-time and had extended their lead to six early in the second half as Crabs simply couldn’t get their offensive game going.

When Gliosca nailed his third triple of the night, Tigers led by 10 points and shooting guard Corey Ward quickly extended the margin to 13.

Despite centre Corey Hill being fouled out of the game with seven minutes to play his side still held a comfortable 13-point lead and they proved too strong in the closing stages, to win 37-22.

Gliosca hit two from outside the arc in the first half to finish with 12 for the game and was ably assisted by the hard-working Tim Button (8points) and Ward (6).

Tigers hit six of 15 three-point attempts and still finished 15-point winners despite shooting at 27 per cent from the free throw line.

Crabs had a night to forget, especially in offence, with only four players making an impact on the scoreboard until Shane Braimbridge hit one free throw after the buzzer.

Zac Pearson was busy in the first half for Crabs with eight points and Cyril Norment, who played only the second half, finished with six points.

Crabs hit one of 13 long-range attempts for the match and shot at 33 per cent from the line, which included six missed free throws in the second half, and as a result their side slipped to seventh on the ladder.

Ambassadors caused the upset of the round, downing Barking Owls by two points in a tense finish. After leading by eight points at half-time, Ambassadors had to fight off a strong challenge from Owls in the second period as they hung on 67-65.

Jaylen Beattie led the way with 17 points to go with handy support from Todd Knuiman and Ryan Barber who hit 15 points apiece while Hamish McMorran was the top scorer for Owls with 22.

Raiders under-18 development squad notched a thrilling one-point win over Den/Albany Spartans in their round 10 clash while Andrew Hobbs (17) and Ray Antiporta (14) were vital in Pelicans’ 64-22 thrashing of Kinjarling Thunder.