Saints’ juggernaut rolls on for seventh win in men’s top division

Saints’ defence of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association’s men’s division one premiership is showing no signs of slowing down after Hamish Cummings’ big haul led a 93-77 victory last week against Franchise.

Cummings racked-up a game-high 38 points, complemented by strong games from Michael Gardner (25) and Charlie Scafidi (16), in another showcase of the red-and-blacks’ offensive depth.

Franchise led at half-time but they were outgunned 31-19 in the pivotal third quarter as the reigning champions made their move.

Saints also controlled the run home, 17-11, to grab a seventh consecutive win to open the season.

Heading into this Friday night’s clash against second-placed CBC, Saints boast five of the division’s premier scorers — Jordan Clements (148 points), Scafidi (138), Lachlan Clements (131), Gardner (118) and Cummings (111).

Franchise, whose lone win was in round three against CBC, were led by Kieran Russell (22 points) and Nick Lawrence (17).

The round was completed last Friday night when CBC beat Olympians, 95-79.

CBC’s fifth win was built on a strong opening half, when they outscored their rivals, 52-34.

To their credit, Olympians were within just two points the rest of the way and won the third period 22-18.

But Sam Morrow underpinned CBC’s victory with 28 points, extending his season tally to a competition-best 185.

Morrow’s dynamic start to the season included 55 points in round five against Saints.

Jaydan Doel led Olympians’ offensive effort with 30 points.

In the women’s first division, Olympians extended their lead to three games after last weekend beating Saints 89-71.

Among Olympians’ seven players, five scored in double digits, led by Jacinta Yarran’s 25 points and Ashlee Monaghan’s 19.

Chloe Zorzi also had 25 points for Saints in a losing effort.

Round eight will be played on Friday night when CBC oppose Saints at 7.30pm.

Ladders:

Division 1 men:

Saints 21 points; CBC 17; Franchise 9; Olympians 9.

Division 1 women:

Olympians 15 points; Saints 9; CBC 4.