CBC hold off slow-starting Franchise to close in on minor premiership

CBC edged closer to the minor premiership in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association’s men’s first division after they held off a gallant Franchise last week.

After jumping their rivals at the start and barely winning the second period 25-24, CBC were outscored in the second half but stood firm to record an eighth win, 85-79.

Franchise, who slipped a game off the pace in their bid for a double chance in the upcoming finals, paid for a slow start when they were outscored to quarter-time, 25-15.

It was a lapse that cost them a sixth victory.

But despite a losing record, Franchise remain in the hunt for a top-two finish ahead of clashes with Olympians and Saints to close out the qualifying series.

CBC lead the standings by two games and in line with most of their performances, cashed in on an impressive offensive spread.

Bailey Hywood (24 points) and Sam Morrow (23) led the charge for CBC, with the main support provided by Miles Tierney (14) and Nathan Vince (10).

Jerome Reid racked up a game-high 27 points for Franchise, but Kieran Russell’s 16 points was the best support.

After a round six draw and back-to-back defeats in rounds seven and eight, CBC have won four of their past five games.

Olympians’ Hamish Cummings scored a game-high 35 points but it went unrewarded in a 96-93 loss to second-placed Saints last week.

In a tight match, Saints’ offensive spread of Laine Warena (17 points), Manylok Malek (16), Jordan Clements (14), Charlie Scafidi (13) and Michael Gardner (11) prevailed.

It was a tough result for Olympians, who have lost their past three games to slip two games out of second place.

Fixtures continue on Thursday when Franchise play Olympians at 8.10pm and on Friday Saints battle CBC at 7.15pm.

Ladder:

CBC 31 points; Saints 27; Franchise 23; Olympians 23.