Crucial wins bring play-off spots closer for Bombers, Falcons

The City Rise Bombers and Andy Bay Falcons both took big steps towards the playoffs in Dunedin club play on Saturday.

Both sides claimed crucial wins, over the St Kilda Saints and Varsity respectively, each moving to five wins for the season.

Meanwhile, a close loss leaves the Mid City Magic Lions with just three victories, although it has the most favourable run-in with three rounds remaining.

It was that game between the Lions and the Mid City Magic A which had the most thrilling finish.

The Magic A escaped with a 92-90 win to keep its unbeaten season alive.

It was a near thing, however, a Micah Lepaio three-pointer rimming out on the buzzer.

He had 21 points for the Lions, proving a threat the whole game, as did Jivarne Joseph and Isaac Smiler, who had 23 and 16 respectively.

Josh Aitcheson, back from under-19 world championships, showed his ability to score both at the hoop and off his shot.

He had 35 points, while Richie Rodger added 22.

A 31-point second quarter put the Lions ahead 52-40 at halftime, before the Magic A pulled back that margin in the third quarter.

The score remained close throughout the fourth quarter, before a Rodger floater gave the Magic A a two-point buffer in the dying stages.

The Bombers claimed an important 83-74 victory over the Saints in another game which remained close throughout.

It was a solid all-round performance from the Bombers, Steve Robinson leading the way with 23 points.

The veteran swingman found his way to the line, shot effectively and closed the game out down the stretch.

Meanwhile, Olly Smith added 19, while Henrie Njob-anti had 16.

For the Saints, Jamie Macdonald dropped 38 points in a classy performance, threatening both at the hoop and from the outside.

He was the only one to fire consistently though, the team suffering from the notable absence of James Ross and succumbing to its third loss of the season.

In the early game, the Falcons rallied late to win 67-62 after trailing most of the way against Varsity.

Matt Bazsika had 26 points, while Alex Murray and Nathan Smith chipped in with 11 and nine.

Howie Hunter top-scored for Varsity with 16 points.

The loss leaves Varsity on two wins and unable to make the playoffs.