Regardless of their bench depth, or more importantly lack of it, the Falcons pushed the Runnin’ Rebels to the limit this past Sunday thanks to a quick start and an eight point lead at the break. With Andy Khaira establishing a post presence early on, the Rebels defense started to sag into the paint, therefore opening up the three point line for Ajit Dhaliwal and Harvey Brar. The Rebels struggles remained the same to start the second half as their lack of consistent team play on both ends of the floor allowed the Falcons to continue their route to a potential upset. Finally getting things together, the Rebels team defense and ball movement lead to a number of easy baskets, bringing them back into the game and taking over the lead for the remainder of the game and a 93-80 victory. Led by Igor Dutina’s team high 22 points and a workman’s 16 points and 6 rebounds from Srdj Vujovic, the Rebels continue to hold down the second spot in the WCBL standings. Brar and Dhaliwal finished with a combined seven three pointers for the game with 22 and 18 points respectively.
With their 93-74 victory over the Wildcats, Nevermore will not only be guaranteed to finish the season with their best record in team history, but they have also put themselves in a tie with the Falcons for third place in the WCBL standings (the Falcons currently hold the tie breaker due to head to head record). The return of guard John Green from a two week hiatus helped the Nevermore offense extend the Wildcats defense out to three point territory and open up the passing lanes. Green finished with a season high 27 points for Nevermore, who are currently riding a two game winning streak. The well documented struggles continue for the Wildcats as they continue to search for an identity as the players who were formally playing as a supporting role have been thrust into unfamiliar territory. Dave Morris continues to be their one steady scoring option as he dropped 26 points and 7 rebounds on Sunday, aided by Mike Swan’s 18 points and 6 rebounds. Sean Holland, Mike Lane and Ryan Widas all chipped in on the Nevermore scoring attack with 10 points apiece.
Minus their all-star point guard, the Nielsen Golgis just found another way to continue their winning streak as they ran over Assault with a 134-82 mauling. Led by forward Jason Leslie’s game high 49 points, one short of the league season high of 50, the Golgis “W” was never really in doubt as they rang up a 70-43 first half difference. The one shining light on Sunday for what continues to be a dismal season for Assault was the team season high 41 points from forward Nate Corneau, which included eight bombs from downtown. James Kenyon and Hanspaul Pannu provided secondary scoring for their respective squads with 38 and 21 points.
