BSBL 2022: Late tip-offs worth the wait as marquee BSBL games inked for 9pm

Hoops enthusiasts may have to wait until 9pm on Friday, however, it is likely to be worth it, given the two marquee Bunbury Senior Basketball League match-ups on offer.

After setting the pace in the opening three rounds, men’s title contenders Tornadoes Black lock horns with Bulls Maroon.

Coached by Shane Goff — who also guides the South West Slammers at NBL1 West level — Tornadoes Black had to dig in late during their 99-95 win over Aces Sky, after racing out to a 9-0 lead.

Bulls Maroon found things considerably easier during their 129-91 win over Bulls, with Travis Durnin’s 37-point game just the tonic, given the fact classy stalwart Clive Weeden was unavailable.

Goff could receive an added bonus, with Weeden again questionable to play, although he will not be taking anything for granted.

“It will be a tough ask against them,” Goff said, after praising Maroon’s high-octane unit.

“But our young kids are red-hot at the moment. It is pleasing our 16 and 17 year-old athletes have been doing plenty of the scoring.

“They are prepared to take the game on.”

In the women’s competition, Tornadoes Black will be desperate to snap their three-game losing streak when they entertain reigning champions Aces Sky.

After being in the game for three quarters against Tornadoes Red, the NBL1 West-hardened perennial powerhouse fell away badly, and only scored three points in the final 5½ minutes.

While there is obviously a long way to go in the campaign, a few uncharacteristic elements have creeped into Tornadoes Black’s performances so far — and a loss against in-form Aces Sky with Tiahna Sears on the charge would be less than ideal.

Fixtures

Men: 7.30pm Bulls Gold v Conquerors, Tornadoes Red v Bulls; 9pm Tornadoes Black v Bulls Maroon, Eaton Eagles v Aces Sky.

Women: 7.30pm Eaton Eagles v Aces Navy, 9pm Tornadoes Black v Aces Sky.