College take Saints in thriller

Two clutch free throws from Gareth Vile and Mitch Wiffin, plus a game-high 22 points from Matt Pigou, helped Marlborough Boys' College defeat Saints 62-60 in a thrilling men's A grade basketball clash at Marlborough Lines Stadium on Monday night.

MBC were out for revenge after Saints beat them by six in their last encounter and were trailing 31-33 at halftime, until a 19-7 third quarter saw them take a 10 point lead into the final period.

Saints didn't throw the towel in though and stormed back to tie the game at 60-60, before Vile and Wiffin's free throws gave MBC the win. For MBC, Pigou was well supported by 12 from Wiffin and 10 vital points from captain Simon Bush. Charles Murdoch was the Saints' top scorer with 17, while Dave Sandford added 10 and Mark Davis 8.

Meanwhile, a three-point shooting blitz from Cameron Costley saw BWMC Lakers overpower an understrength Woodbourne side 102-54. After a tight first quarter where Lakers led by just seven, two early second period three pointers helped them find their rhythm and they pulled away, extending their lead with every quarter. Costley shot five threes in a game-high 19 for Saints and found good support from Jayson Jones with 18 and Richard Burney, 15. For Woodbourne Mat Bruckner was the leading man with 18 points, while Chris Lindsay added 16 and Will Comer 12.

In women's A grade MGC Junior A battled to a 91-81 victory over Harcourts All Stars. MGC led by five at half time and held their nerve to hold off All Stars for a good win.

Rebels had a tight 44-39 victory over Brigz Ballaz in mixed competition, while BWMC Hornets beat United 65-45 and Stadium had a 99-25 win over College.

In men's B grade action the Centennial Hall Legends comfortably accounted for Team Buzz 49-26, while Spikey Dog Fish romped to a 94-19 win over College B.

- © Fairfax NZ News