Pies, Griffins prepare for battle

A top-of-the-table clash between Magpies and Grammar Griffins headlines the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition round 9 fixtures at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre tonight.

With all competitions back in action after a seven-week break, the top two teams in the women’s league, both locked on six wins, will look to push into the outright lead in the standings with a win tonight.

Magpies have proven to be an offensive juggernaut so far this season, pouring in 300 points in eight games, however they will come up against the league’s stingiest defence in Grammar.

When the teams met in round 4, it was Magpies that came out on top with a 31-23 victory, as Taimania Jones top scored with 10 points.

Grammar will be hoping they can stick to their defensive schemes and force a low-scoring affair, while Magpies will be looking to open up the game with free-flowing basketball.

In the other round 9 women’s fixtures, Raiders under-18 development squad take on Sparks while Flames take on Panthers.

In the men’s competition, Tigers will play Ambassadors, with both looking to establish their respective position in the standings.

Tigers are level on points with Barking Owls at the top of the ladder, while Ambassadors are in the middle of a logjam of three teams on three wins.

The two teams fought out a thriller in round 2 when the Tigers won by a point, with star guard John Santia nailing a late three-pointer to get them over the line.

Meanwhile in the other men’s fixtures, Owls take on Wolves and Raiders face off against Crabs.