Tornadoes Red wear down plucky Aces Sky

Bunbury Basketball Association men’s trendsetters Tornadoes Red had to fight hard during their 80-67 win over Aces Sky last Friday night at the South West Sports Centre. Aces Sky, who have been inconsistent at times this season, capitalised on the absence of Tornadoes Red offensive ace Caleb Van De Griend by playing extremely tough ball. Despite facing bigger bodies every time they went into the paint, the underdogs showed no fear. However with the game still up for grabs late in the second term, Tornadoes Red stalwart Michael Lay (18 points) struck a number of telling offensive blows — including a three-pointer as time expired. Although the league leaders eventually chalked up another victory, the Aces faithful would have been heartened by the performance. In the women’s competition, the Bulls-Tornadoes Black match was delayed by 10-15 minutes, due to the Bulls not having enough players (four) to start the game. Thankfully for both sides, a fifth player arrived and the match was completed, with the reigning premiers overcoming a rusty start to defeat the depleted Bulls. Results A-Men: Tornadoes Red 80 (M. Lay 18 points, J. Hunt 15) d Aces Sky 67 (J. O’Donohue 19, S. Slater 12), Bulls Maroon 116 (T. Durnin 42, C. Hill 26) d Dunsborough Oilers 58 (A. Marinovich 19, H. Mooney 18) A-Women: Tornadoes Black 66 (S. Wootton 20, B. Chalk 16) d Bulls 33 (A. East 18, G. Hill 8), Tornadoes Red 64 (C. Parsons 16, S. Simpson 10) d Aces Navy 50 (G. Adams 14, B. Donovan 11), Aces Sky 69 (A. Lee 20, L. York 15) d Eaton Eagles 53 (K. Farrant 18, K. Bennell 11)