A scrap for the playoffs is very much on.
Only one win separates second through fifth in men’s club basketball after 10 games, as the competition enters its third round next week.
The three-win gap between fourth and fifth place from three weeks ago has disappeared.
That closed as the Andy Bay Falcons took a third consecutive win on Saturday, beating the City Rise Bombers 92-82.
It leaves them tied with Varsity on four wins, after a depleted students side went down 105-77 to the Mid City Magic, which is tied with the Magic Lions on five wins.
An early lead proved key for the Falcons.
They led 27-20 at the first break and while the Bombers threatened to come back at various stages, they were unable to get in front.
The Falcons got scoring out of a range of threats early, hitting from deep and getting to the hoop.
However, promising Otago Boys’ High School player George Grant (14 points) showed his ability to hit from deep to keep the Bombers in touch.
Matthew Bardsley was similarly key for the Bombers.
The Otago Nugget got to the hoop at will and had 17 of his 25 points in the first half.
But the Falcons were able to stay ahead as Hamish Robertson (25 points) managed 10 of his own in the second quarter to give his side a 52-46 halftime lead.
Meanwhile, point guard Ihaia Kendrew (17 points) hit five triples in the second and third quarters.
He was matched for range by Bombers guard Olly Smith (20 points), who started to take over as the Falcons defence locked in on Bardsley.
The score closed up late in the third quarter, but two Kendrew three-pointers ensured the Falcons took a 71-64 lead to the final break.
The Bombers never went away in the fourth either, but a handful of baskets to Falcons guard Sam Senior (17 points) — including two three-pointers — helped it over the line.
The St Kilda Saints extended their unbeaten season another week with a 76-59 win over the Magic Lions.
Veteran forward Matt Gillan top-scored with 15 points, while Nuggets forward Jack Andrew added 14.
The win secures them top spot in the regular season with five games remaining.
It leaves the Lions tied with the Magic in second-place, following the Magic’s 105-77 win over Varsity.
Mitchell Hughan top-scored with 22 points in a game in which the Magic pulled away after a rusty start.
